Quantum Networks: Past, Present and Future

Once a pipedream, the mooted global Quantum Network is ever closer to reality, having matured from theoretical concepts that struggled for acceptance to secure inter-continental links via satellite today. The race to emerge with the core technology is seeing investments into quantum networks and associated science and technology reaching unprecedented levels. In this Special Topic Collection, we wish to gather original research, industry perspectives and reviews that give a past, present and future perspective on the topic, with particular emphasis on the developments in addressing core questions, such as: "How Fast?" (what is the state-of-the-art in bit rate and what scope is there for improvement?), "How Far?" (what is the reach, and what dictates it, in optical fiber, free-space and terrestrial links?), and "How Integrated?" (can our quantum solutions work along-side classical technologies?).

Organizing Editor: Andrew Forbes