The Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma will be the site of the ambitious La Palma Quantum Interferometer (LPQI) project. This pioneering initiative seeks to interconnect several existing telescopes to function as a unified observation network, achieving unprecedented precision in the study of the universe. The project not only aims to revolutionize astronomy but also to generate a significant impact on the island, promoting technological development, skilled job creation, and business activity, at a crucial time for its post-volcanic reconstruction.
Astronomical activity is a fundamental pillar for both the scientific landscape and the economy of La Palma. The presence of telescopes at the Roque de los Muchachos already supports a team of astronomers, engineers, IT specialists, and technicians, as well as technology-specialized companies. The LPQI represents a qualitative leap by proposing the synchronization of multiple telescopes to operate as a single observational instrument.
Paco Prada, a researcher at the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics (CSIC) and affiliated with the Canary Islands Institute of Astrophysics (IAC), leads this project. During a meeting held at IACTEC in La Laguna, he advocated for the feasibility of using existing infrastructure for joint telescope observation.
The first phase, named LPQI Pathfinder, will link the Nordic Optical Telescope and the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo, located about 550 meters apart. Subsequently, the incorporation of other instruments such as the Gran Telescopio Canarias, the William Herschel, and the Isaac Newton is planned, extending the network up to 1.55 kilometers.
The system will be based on the detection and comparison of individual photons, the particles of light, rather than simple image combination. By comparing signals from different telescopes, the aim is to achieve a resolution of approximately 50 microarcseconds, a capability that could be up to a thousand times greater than that of the Hubble or James Webb for certain studies.
This precision will allow for detailed analysis of stars currently seen as mere points of light, as well as the study of supernovae and the surroundings of compact objects. The project's quantum component lies in the detection of individual photons, the precise recording of their arrival time, and the processing of massive amounts of data.
A key objective of the LPQI is to ensure a lasting economic and technological impact on La Palma. To this end, a headquarters has already been established at the port of Tazacorte, equipped with an office and laboratory, aimed at bringing technological development closer to the territory and complementing the scientific work on the peaks.
The initiative includes training professionals, attracting companies, and the local development of components, programs, and services. One example is the creation in Spain of a SPAD sensor, an advanced microchip for individual photon detection with high temporal precision. The projected investment for this sensor is 14.5 million euros, with funding from the CDTI and European funds, scientific supervision from the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics, and validation at the Gran Telescopio Canarias.
The development of this quantum technology aims to facilitate knowledge transfer to other sectors. The creation of detectors, programs, and optical systems to solve scientific challenges equips companies with capabilities applicable to various activities, thereby fostering technological employment.
The workshop held in La Laguna brought together scientists, engineers, companies, financing entities, and administration personnel. The opening included remarks from Valentín Martínez Pillet (director of the IAC), Javier Franco Hormiga (director of the Canary Islands Agency for Research, Innovation, and Information Society), and Héctor Izquierdo (commissioner for the Reconstruction of La Palma).
A round table, moderated by José Fernández, addressed crucial issues such as science, funding, and territorial development, including contracting, training, support for local businesses, and the economic return of such projects.
Technical sessions detailed advancements in cameras, electronics, synchronization, and software for coordinating different telescopes. Participants included Adriano Ghedina (TNG experience), Jacob Clasen (NOT experience), Guillermo González de Rivera (electronic development), and the Royal Institute and Observatory of the Navy (precise time measurement).
It is estimated that scientific and astrophysical activity currently represents around 4% of La Palma's gross domestic product. With projects like LPQI, the European Solar Telescope, and the future CTAO gamma-ray observatory, this contribution is projected to approach 10% in the coming years.
These projections depend on funding, timelines, and the ability to translate investments into local productive fabric. The goal is for the presence of large scientific facilities on the island to result in technological contracts, training, and permanent skilled employment in the Canary Islands.
The potential arrival of the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) would provide an additional boost, but the LPQI strategy is not dependent on this decision. It is based on leveraging existing telescopes and cooperation among them.
The LPQI aims to open a new window for observing the universe and, simultaneously, to strengthen La Palma's capacity to generate activity linked to research, technology, and skilled employment. The initiative seeks to extend the benefits of scientific activity beyond the observatories and contribute to the economic diversification of an island still facing the consequences of the volcano.
