Advancing Quantum Technologies with Continuous Variables: From Resource States to Interoperable Networks and Precision Metrology

Continuous-variable (CV) quantum technologies represent a rapidly evolving frontier in quantum research, bridging foundational quantum optics with practical, deployable systems. The progression of this field is underpinned by breakthroughs in non-Gaussian resource state engineering, advances in integrated photonics, and the emergence of hybrid discrete-variable–continuous-variable (DV–CV) protocols. Recent studies have demonstrated CV technologies’ potential in delivering robust secure communication, surpassing the standard quantum limit (SQL) in metrology, and enabling scalable quantum simulation. However, the journey toward widespread adoption faces notable hurdles, including the need for noise-resilient resource generation, operable quantum network interfaces, and dependable, application-validated benchmarks. Existing knowledge gaps persist, especially in translating rigorous theoretical progress into noise-aware, hardware-constrained, and experimentally validated quantum systems. While contemporary research addresses each of these aspects, the integration of resource engineering, theory, and demonstrator-level deployments remains an open challenge for the community.

This Research Topic aims to accelerate the development and integration of scalable, interoperable continuous-variable quantum platforms. By inviting work that seamlessly connects advanced theory, innovative resource engineering, and real-world validation, the goal is to create a structured framework for realizing next-generation quantum networks and precision measurement systems. Central objectives include understanding and mitigating decoherence and noise, engineering novel non-Gaussian resources, devising new protocols for CV quantum key distribution (QKD), optimizing hybrid DV–CV network interfaces, and benchmarking quantum algorithms and sensing techniques on near-term hardware. Furthermore, this initiative seeks to catalyze cross-disciplinary solutions that link metrology, communication, and simulation, ultimately steering the community towards a secure and widely accessible quantum internet.

To advance understanding within the boundaries of continuous-variable quantum advantage, this Research Topic welcomes contributions that span foundational theory to experimental demonstrations, with emphasis on real-world applicability and interoperability. The scope is broad yet focused, ensuring relevance to current technological needs and theoretical advancements. Specifically, we invite articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

o Non-Gaussian resource generation, manipulation, and certification (e.g., squeezed, cat, photon-added/subtracted, and compass states)

o Robustness under decoherence; resource cost, and verification benchmarks

o CV networking and interoperability, including real-world CV QKD protocols, quantum memories, repeaters, and hybrid DV–CV interfaces

o Quantum metrology and sensing using frequency combs, ultrafast photonics, structured/quantum light, and novel detection schemes

o Noise-aware models, entanglement/steering criteria, and machine-learning-assisted resilience in CV systems

o PT-symmetric and non-Hermitian photonics for enhanced information processing and sensing

o Algorithms, simulation platforms, and near-term photonic/hybrid demonstrations with experimental benchmarks

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Continuous-variable (CV) quantum technologies, Non-Gaussian resource engineering, Integrated photonics, Hybrid DV–CV protocols, Quantum key distribution (QKD), Quantum metrology and sensing, Noise resilience and decoherence, Quantum networking and interop

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.