The Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), a top-tier Spanish university and leader in Physics, is coordinating the COMPHORT research consortium. Dr. C. Antón Solanas is an expert in quantum optics in the solid-state, with a significant postdoctoral experience in France (C2N-CNRS) and Germany (Wuerzburg and Oldenburg). Carlos returned to the UAM in 2022 with a tenure track position (Atracción de Talento - CAM), focusing his research on quantum optics in solid-state systems.

Role in project: UAM will be the project coordinator and will participate in WP1,2,3. UAM will closely collaborate with UOL in the fabrication of RT-SPS in the open cavity system (mastered by both partners): the titanium-cage implementation for the open cavity, and mirror nanofabrication. UAM expertise on both hBN-SPE and quantum optical benchmarking will be crucial to assist in WP2, ensuring the successful completion of WP3.

The Izmir Institute of Technology (IIT), is highly specialized in experimental solid-state physics and operates the state-of-the-art equippment in its Applied Quantum Research Centre. This node is led by Assoc. Prof. Serkan Ateş, working in the Nanophotonics and Quantum Optics Laboratory (NQO) within IIT, expert in defects in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) for practical applications in quantum communication technologies.

Role in project: given the expertise on the quantum material under study in this project (hBN defects), IIT will lead WP2, responsible for the optical characterization of hBN defects as well as benchmarking the performance of RT-SPS with this material in lab-scale B92 based QKD demonstration, setting the first steps towards the demonstration of free-space, metropolitan scale QKD.

The Institute of Physics at the University of Oldenburg is a leader in nano-photonics, optical spectroscopy, and light-matter coupling in quantum systems. Schneider's Quantum Materials group focuses on studying solid-state quantum materials and their interaction with optical resonator systems, equipped with state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization tools, including high-resolution setups, cryostats, laser systems, and single-photon detectors. 

Role in project: UOL will oversee the implementation and characterization of the open cavity technology platform in conjunction with electrical injection. UOL will be further responsible for the optical characterization of coupled emitter-cavity systems using optical spectroscopy and correlation techniques.

Technische Universität Berlin, recognized for its technology focus, hosts leading research in solid-state physics, quantum optics, and quantum information and communication. Dr. Tobias Heindel leads the Quantum Communication Systems group, focusing on quantum communication through solid-state quantum light sources, including quantum dots and 2D materials, for quantum networks integration. The group boasts advanced equipment for quantum optical characterization and quantum key distribution (QKD) testbeds, featuring high-resolution spectroscopy, a ps-laser system, single-photon detection, and dedicated QKD technology.

Role in project: TUB is leading WP3 and responsible for the implementation of BB84-QKD at the laboratory scale (T3.2) as well as the metropolitan-scale FSO-QKD field-experiments (T3.3) and the respective comparative studies related to the protocols (BB84/B92) and RT- SPSs (UAM/UOL) as well as the associated security analysis and modelling. TUB will further contribute and exchange knowledge concerning the project work on the quantum-optical characterization (WP2) and the laboratory scale implementation of the B92-protocol (T3.1).

The University of Bristol is at the forefront of quantum technology research and innovation. Ruth Oulton, Professor of Quantum Photonics, leads the Bristol node. Her work primarily focuses on exploiting quantum dot emitters for quantum optical applications. Oulton has pioneered in the quantum optical interplay between quantum emitters and nanophotonics, leading significant collaborative projects and holding key university leadership roles.

Role in project: UOB will be responsible for the design and simulation of an optimal micro- cavity (WP1) that includes optimising photonic design of the integrated excitation LED. They will also design and simulate an integrated lens structure in the top cavity mirror layer to collimate the output photons. UOB will also contribute to the spin/phonon theory objectives (WP2) where they have extensive track record.

nanoplus, a leader in single-mode lasers for spectroscopy, is a University of Würzburg spin-off with over 20 years in semiconductor laser technology. The company, employing ~100 people and boasting two clean room facilities in Germany, excels in producing DFB lasers over a broad wavelength range using proprietary technology. nanoplus has set records in laser diode wavelengths and contributed to NASA's Mars missions. It has been recognized for its work in the SENSHY project with the Prism Award for Green Photonics in 2012. Dr. Robert Weih, with a background in nanotechnology and physics from the University of Würzburg, leads the epitaxy and chip development at nanoplus, focusing on innovative III-V semiconductor devices.

Role in project: NAN will participate in WP1 to implement GaInP LEDs that can be electrically triggered (to emit pulses of non-resonant light that will excite the hBN SPE) and compactly integrated in the bottom mirror of the open cavity device. In WP5, NAN will coordinate the commercial studies and activities to launch the prototype RT-SPS in the market, together with the other company partner, QLD, expert on quantum solutions for QKD.

QLocked, a pioneering start-up founded in 2022, is advancing quantum technologies with a focus on single-photon and photon pair sources for quantum emission from solid-state materials. Specializing in creating single-photon emitters for secure quantum communication and imaging, QLocked is committed to innovation and industry collaboration. Ömer S. Tapşın, leading QLocked, is pursuing his MSc at the İzmir Institute of Technology, specializing in long-distance free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) systems and spearheading the company's research and development.

Role in project: QLD will participate WP2 and WP3, in which they will be responsible for T2.4 and T3.4 to perform market studies for potential applications of developed RT-SPS and the QKD needs of the industry. In addition, QLD will also work on commercialization of the QKD system with the developed sources. Finally, QLD will provide support for T3.1, T3.2, and T3.3 to demonstrate the lab-scale and metropolitan scale QKD with the developed SPSs.