Project description
Chip-based photonics will enhance access to secure data storage and rapid transmission
Cybersecurity is a growing challenge given the tremendous amount of sensitive data being transmitted around the globe and the increasing sophistication of rogue actors. Quantum key distribution (QKD) networks aim to overcome this challenge, using the physical properties of photons to encode information and fundamental laws of quantum physics to encrypt it. However, transmission speeds are low and costs prohibitive. The French SME Quandela has developed a more efficient and accurate single-photon emitter. It plans to package it on a chip, ready for cost-effective integration in QKD networks. The EU-funded EQUALITY project is helping the team optimise the technology and prepare the business plan for commercialisation.
Objective
Billions of consumers and thousands of companied depend on the security of network infrastructure to assure the safety of their data as it is bleamed around the world. At present, the security provided by traditional encryption algorithms depend on the fact that it takes a very long time for a traditional computer to solve the encryption that would reveal the protected data. However, advances in the domain of quantum computing and the development of efficient algorithms mean that it is becoming much easier to break down conventional encryption algorithms based on computational complexity. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks aim to overcome this challenge by proposing secure lines of communication that have been encrypted using the fundamental laws of quantum physics. This is achieved through manipulation of physical properties of photons to encode information. However, many such networks remain expensive to set up and requires the support of a state-level entity, thus beyond the reach of consumers and companies. Furthermore, the transmission speeds achieved through current photon emitters remain relatively low, making transmitting complex data difficult. Quandela, a french SME founded in 2017 as a spin-off of the French Centre for Scientific Reseach (CNRS) proposes a revolutionary efficient emitter of single photons that would significantly increase the rates of information that could be efficiently transported through QKD networks. Thanks to a proprietary technology, Quandela's photon emitters are able to emit photons significantly more accurately and efficiently than the current products in the market. Quandela is specialized in building efficient chip-based quantum light sources. Due to its size and efficiency of photon emission, these chips could be easily integrated into a QKD network, thus significantly enhancing information transfer rates over longer distances. In addition to light sources, Quandela develops technological bricks for quantum applications.
Fields of science
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitydata protection
- natural sciencescomputer and information sciencescomputer securitynetwork security
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunications
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsfibre optics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencestheoretical physicsparticle physicsphotons
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
91300 Massy
France
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.