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Quantum-Optic Silicon as a Commodity: Extending the Trust Continuum till the Edge of ICT Networks

Project description

Secure quantum key generation and exchange even in edge-connected devices

Quantum computing performs calculations impossible with classical computers, enabling tremendous computational power – but rendering conventional encryption methods inadequate. Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses the unique properties of quantum mechanical systems to generate and exchange encryption keys known only between the parties sharing the information. However, its complexity currently limits practical application. Funded by the European Innovation Council, the QOSiLICIOUS project aims to deliver an ultra-compact, cost-effective solution by integrating quantum random number generation and QKD monolithically on silicon. Secure key generation enabling the encryption of co-existing classical data traffic and close-proximity free-space optical key exchange will be evaluated in intra-datacentre interconnects, access and 6G networks, and mobile applications.

Objective

The rapid rise of quantum computation has raised concerns about conventional encryption methods. In response to this emerging threat, quantum key distribution (QKD) offers an information-theoretically secure key exchange. However, its complexity currently hinders its widespread adoption.
QOSiLICIOUS introduces a disruptive “commodity” approach, integrating every element of quantum random number generation (QRNG) and QKD monolithically on silicon. This results in ultra-compact implementations with clear photonic/microelectronic co-integration strategy and excellent cost credentials allowing us to address new QKD markets. A pixel-size (0.01 mm²) QRNG will be realized in 0.18-µm CMOS, including a multi-dot silicon light emitting diode surrounded by a ring-shaped single-photon avalanche detector (SPAD) with co-integrated active quenching. Its true random numbers will feed a QKD transmitter developed on a silicon-photonic BiCMOS platform on a footprint of no more than 1 mm². Simplicity is ensured through a novel GeSi light emitter sourcing a BB84 polarization state encoder. This yields an all-silicon solution free from the burden of complex and costly III-V / silicon hetero-integration. The efforts on QOSiLICIOUS’ QKD transmitter are complemented by surface-normal GeSi SPAD technology for 1550-nm operation at detection efficiencies of 50% under Peltier cooling. The GeSi SPAD will be transferred to the waveguide-based silicon-photonic platform to further yield an integrated QKD receiver including BB84 state analysis.
The applicability of QOSiLICIOUS’ technology to commodity segments will be evaluated in techno-economic challenging scenarios (i) intra-datacenter interconnects, (ii) access and 6G networks and (iii) mobile applications with a close-proximity free-space optical key exchange. Performance evaluation activities will target secure-key generation that enables the encryption of co-existing classical data traffic through fast AES key renewal.

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HORIZON-EIC - HORIZON EIC Grants

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(opens in new window) HORIZON-EIC-2024-PATHFINDEROPEN-01

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Coordinator

AIT AUSTRIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY GMBH
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 985 393,00
Address
GIEFINGGASSE 4
1210 WIEN
Austria

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Region
Ostösterreich Wien Wien
Activity type
Research Organisations
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Total cost

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€ 985 393,00

Participants (3)

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