Quantum communication

Our researchers are investigating communication systems designed to be fundamentally secure against interception.

A key area of this exploration is quantum key distribution (QKD). Think of it like a digital wax seal. Theoretically, if anyone tries to eavesdrop or tamper with the message, the laws of physics cause the 'seal' to break, instantly revealing that there is an intruder.

From ground-based fibre optics to satellite links in space, our teams are testing these protocols to build the framework for a national and international quantum network.

Applications

  • quantum key distribution (QKD) 
  • secure communication networks 
  • satellite quantum links 
  • photonic quantum repeaters 
  • quantum-safe communication systems 
View "Taking quantum key distribution out of the lab" on YouTube

Discover more about quantum communication

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Quantum communication researchers

Norbert Lütkenhaus

Norbert Lütkenhaus

Faculty, Executive Director

Research expertise

  • Theory of practical quantum key distribution systems
  • Methods and tools for entanglement verification
  • Linear optic quantum logic operation and measurement implementation
  • Quantum state detection and estimation theory
Michael Reimer

Michael Reimer

Faculty, Associate Professor

Research expertise

  • Semiconductor nanowire quantum light sources
  • Hybrid nanowire quantum state converter
  • Quantum memories
  • Integrated quantum photonic circuits
  • Highly efficient quantum detectors
Christopher Wilson

Christopher Wilson

Faculty, Professor

Research expertise

  • Microwave quantum optics
  • Quantum memories and interfaces
  • Circuit quantum electrodynamics
  • Nonlinear dynamics
Kevin Resch

Kevin Resch

Faculty, Professor

Research expertise

  • Experimental quantum communication and computation
  • Optical sources of entanglement
  • Measurement and quantum state tomography
  • Quantum interference
  • Nonlinear optics
Debbie Leung

Debbie Leung

Faculty, Professor

Research expertise

  • Quantum cryptography
  • Quantum communications
  • Measurement-based quantum computation
  • Fault-tolerant quantum computation and error correction
Michal Bajcsy

Michal Bajcsy

Faculty, Associate Professor

Research expertise

  • Coupling of quantum emitters to nano-photonics structures
  • Development of on-chip platforms for enhanced light-matter and light-light interactions
  • Non-classical light sources and quantum memories based on mesoscopic ensembles of quantum emitters
  • Frozen light, dark-state polaritons, and all-optical switching at extremely low light levels
Bradley Hauer

Bradley Hauer

Faculty, Assistant Professor

Research expertise

  • Experimental and theoretical physics
  • Cavity optomechanics
  • Superconducting circuits
  • Quantum information
  • Nanomechanics
Thomas Jennewein

Thomas Jennewein

Faculty, Affiliate Faculty Member

Research expertise

  • Quantum communication and quantum computation experiments using entangled photons
  • Quantum teleportation
  • Orbital angular momentum of photons
  • Long distance quantum communication via optical fibers, free space, and satellite-based links
  • Foundations of physics and quantum information, entanglement in large and complex systems 

Events