Quantum Industries

Safran is a renowned French aerospace and defense technology group that has been actively developing commercial applications for quantum technology in recent years. Its quantum technology R&D and products cover areas such as quantum navigation and sensing, quantum network control, and quantum photonics technology.

Quantum Instrumentation Control Kit (QICK)

The QICK Box product itself is a comprehensive control and readout system for Quantum Information Science (QIS), with applications in quantum computing, quantum networking, and quantum sensing. QICK utilizes an FPGA architecture combined with high-speed DACs/ADCs to generate, acquire, and process the fast signals required for quantum experiments. The system claims to be able to control various types of qubits, such as superconducting qubits, trapped ions, electron spins, and cold atoms, as well as perform quantum error correction and feedback, all while maintaining precise timing control in scenarios ranging from single-qubit control to multi-channel expansion.

Ref: https://safran-navigation-timing.com/solution/quantum/

White Rabbit Sub-Nanosecond Time Synchronization Solution

In quantum computing and quantum communication networks, the precision of time synchronization is crucial. Safran's time synchronization solution, based on White Rabbit technology, can synchronize the clocks of two remote quantum nodes to a time error of less than 4 picoseconds. White Rabbit is an Ethernet-based high-precision time protocol (an extension of IEEE 1588 PTP) that provides sub-nanosecond synchronization and highly stable frequency distribution. Safran's time servers and timing devices (such as the SecureSync series) utilize this technology to ensure data between quantum nodes is transmitted on time and to significantly reduce communication latency. Because the states of qubits are maintained for extremely short periods, the system demands near-zero latency and precise triggering, for which Safran's White Rabbit technology provides a solution.

The White Rabbit time distribution network allows multiple nodes in a quantum network to remain tightly synchronized, even over long distances. This is essential for secure communication applications like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).

Ref: https://safran-navigation-timing.com/solution/quantum/

GPS-Denied Quantum Navigation Sensors (DARPA RoQS Program)

In October 2025, the US DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) awarded Safran Federal Systems a contract to develop the Robust Quantum Sensors (RoQS) program. (Ref link) The program focuses on developing quantum inertial sensors that can reliably provide positioning and navigation in harsh environments where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable. The goal is to develop quantum sensing devices that are inherently highly resistant to environmental disturbances, ensuring stable operation without sacrificing performance.

▲ The three major sources of quantum decoherence: electromagnetic fields, gravitational differences, and vibrations.
Ref: https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/roqs-robust-quantum-sensors

▲ Exploring the maintenance of quantum coherence.
Ref: https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/roqs-robust-quantum-sensors

▲ Exploring mobility, vibration, and the maintenance of quantum coherence.
Ref: https://www.darpa.mil/research/programs/roqs-robust-quantum-sensors

Parts of this article were generated and edited with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by the author. Originally written in Chinese by the author, these articles are translated into English to invite cross-language resonance.