The proposal is focused on developing a Conceptual Design of a Fieldable Quantum Communications Network, primarily focused on the coastal setting: air-land-sea. The project activity will also aggregate various quantum scientists and technologist to ideate the design along with direct input and guidance from Air Force operators and operations. Two additional products will be generated from this design activity: an expert network of quantum researchers and also a network of quantum informed operators. Both of these groups will be further joined together to help advance the field of Mobile Quantum Communications Networks. The anticipated results will also help in determining the future need and feasibility for integrated quantum systems designs and fabrication technologies, and subsequent production, along with an industrial base for integrated quantum machines and systems. We focus on the problem of field-able quantum systems for communication networks to support the Air Force as a basic need for future operations. The Guided Particle-Universities team/network will, in this initial phase, complete a Conceptual Design of a Fieldable Quantum Communications Network while also completing a survey and conducting customer discovery. The activity will yield also design ideations on distributed quantum networks vs existing silicon networks, especially focusing on quantum network communications versus WiFi network communications that resides at Eglin AFB. The team will also evaluate the feasibility of connecting system scaling design principles to enable integrated quantum machines and systems. These mobile quantum systems can allow defense applications for new quantum clocks, sensors, communications, processors and networks, and these application spaces will be considered throughout the entire project lifecycle.
