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constitute an essential resource for quantum computers that perform parallel computing simultaneously.Each research theme conducted in NICT aims at estab-lishing technologies to control entanglement relations at will — i.e. entanglement between photons (quantum opti-cal control), entanglement between atoms (quantum me-trology), and entanglement between a photon and a superconducting articial atom (superconducting quantum circuit). Note that establishing quantum entanglement is not the sole objective of these research projects (for detailed descriptions, see each corresponding paper in this special issue). In a superconducting quantum circuit system, en-tanglement-enabled photon-articial atom coupling can be made extremely stronger than in any other physical system. e “deep strong coupling” may lead to the development of a new physical phenomenon no one has ever observed before.4Toward widespread deployment of QICT across societyQuantum technologies hold huge potential to renew our society in such aspects as the provision of ultimate safety and ultra-fast computing. In many cases, however, the prognosis is that their promises will become practi-cally feasible only when they are properly combined with one or more existing instances of ICT. In the 4th mid/long-term plan of NICT, we adopt fusion between QICT and modern ICT as one of the themes, in view of applying QICT (and the technologies derived therefrom) to various ICT applications currently in place in society (Fig.3).As mentioned in this paper, quantum cryptography can provide levels of security not reachable by the currently available techniques. is does not translate into total re-placement of modern security technologies by quantum cryptography; its full capacity is considered to be exploited by incorporating it in the portions of modern security technology where it needs enhancement the most. For example, incorporation of quantum cryptography into the secret sharing process, a well-known technique used in modern security technologies, will help realize ultralong-term secure data center networks. In concrete terms, quantum cryptography is applied to mutual communica-tions among distributed data storages to guarantee the total information-theoretical security of the network sys-tem.To pursue this research and development, close col-laboration with the expert researchers in modern security technology is essential. Incorporation of quantum cryptog-raphy and the related technologies derived therefrom into multi-faceted free-space communications — such as optical communication with satellites and control of drones — requires collaboration with experts in each eld. Such joint eorts can only pave the way for meaningful social imple-mentation that properly meets the requirements and specications. NICT is also working toward developing quantum node technology, although still in the stage of basic research and in need of introducing cutting-edge ideas from other areas of ICT, targeted at such challenges as coherent light communication, silicon photonics, and FiF2　Overview of quantum node technologyQuantum optical control technologySuperconducting quantumcircuit technologyQuantum metrology（Ion trap technology）・Multi-functionalized, super power-saving network nodesIntegration to realize “quantum node technology” leading to unthreatened transmission/detection/processing of quantum informationNovel signal processing technology that takes advantage of the quantum natureinherent to photons, electrons and atoms・Next-generation frequency standardization technology・Quantum sensing・Ultra-large capacity optical communication network・High speed, long-distance deep space communicationApplicationsQuantum node technology2 Quantum Info-Communication Technology -Overview-8　　　Journal of the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology Vol. 64 No. 1 (2017)