A collaborative project in the UK, backed by £1.5 million in funding from Innovate UK, is set to revolutionize the landscape of quantum key distribution (QKD) by developing and demonstrating high-fidelity, modular, and scalable receiver modules. The MARCONI project aims to introduce two new OEM QKD receivers based on different technologies, which are interchangeable at the optical connection point. These receivers will be constructed using UK components, ensuring a robust domestic supply chain for critical quantum networking technologies.
The project involves leading UK institutions and companies, including Phlux Technology, Bay Photonics, the University of Glasgow, Chase Cryogenics, Redwave Labs, Fraunhofer CAP, and the University of Cambridge. The receivers will be showcased in entanglement-based discrete variable-QKD transmission across both metro and long-haul networks, using the BBM92 protocol. This demonstration will highlight the scalability and performance of the MARCONI receivers.
The project targets the rapidly growing QKD market, forecasted to reach approximately $5 billion by 2028, and promises significant economic and security advantages for the UK.
Secure Quantum Key Distribution: A Collaborative UK Project
The MARCONI project, funded by Innovate UK, aims to revolutionize the landscape of quantum key distribution (QKD) by developing high-fidelity, modular, and scalable receiver modules. QKD is a secure communication method that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys between two parties, ensuring that any attempt at eavesdropping can be detected.
Modular Receiver Modules for Scalable Quantum Networks
The project will introduce two new OEM QKD receivers based on different technologies, which are interchangeable at the optical connection point. These receivers will be constructed using UK components, ensuring a robust domestic supply chain for critical quantum networking technologies. For smaller setups and short-distance communications, a four-channel single photon avalanche detector (SPAD) system will feature Noiseless InGaAs technology from Phlux Technology, packaged by Bay Photonics. For larger, long-distance applications, a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) system will be employed, incorporating enhanced SNSPDs from the University of Glasgow, cooled by a novel 1K system from Chase Cryogenics, and coupled with a new compact timetagger from Redwave Labs.
Demonstrating Scalability and Performance
The University of Cambridge will showcase these receivers in entanglement-based discrete variable-QKD transmission across both metro and long-haul networks, using the BBM92 protocol. This demonstration will highlight the scalability and performance of the MARCONI receivers. The project addresses two critical needs: establishing a UK-led supply chain for quantum networking components and enhancing the scalability of quantum networks.
Economic and Security Advantages
The MARCONI project promises significant economic and security advantages, including job creation and safeguarding within the UK supply chain, enhanced national security through the adoption of more secure QKD systems, reduced import dependency for high-performance photonics components, and economic growth. The project is supported by a Strategic Advisory Board comprising industry leaders and end-users from the UK and Europe.
Collaborative Effort
The MARCONI project is a collaborative effort involving leading UK institutions and companies, including Phlux Technology, Bay Photonics, the University of Glasgow, Chase Cryogenics, Redwave Labs, Fraunhofer CAP, and the University of Cambridge. Each partner brings their expertise to the table, ensuring the development of innovative QKD receiver modules that will shape the future of secure communication.
Partner Profiles
Phlux Technology designs, manufactures, and markets 1550 nm infrared (IR) sensors that are 12x more sensitive than alternatives. Bay Photonics is a leading provider of advanced photonic packaging solutions. Chase Cryogenics is a cutting-edge company focused on the development of advanced cryogenic systems. Redwave Labs is a renowned SME with experience in designing and manufacturing control systems for spectroscopy and quantum technologies. The University of Cambridge is a pioneer in the UK’s quantum technology landscape, and the University of Glasgow is pioneering the development of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) for QKD. Fraunhofer CAP is a leading research institution specialising in photonics and quantum technologies.
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