CiViQ has advanced the CV-QKD technology on several fronts:
Use-cases and networks: We identified key applications, with respect to network protection layer (data, control and management), topology (point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, any-to-any) and/or domains (access, metro...). The top-down approach led to a technical development plan with application-specific systems: (i) class A, high TRL systems developed in CiViQ and to be deployed outside the lab by the end of the project (e.g. in OpenQKD testbeds); (ii) class B, low TRL systems using the most advanced technology, whose development will go beyond the project to reach field deployment.
Systems and components: We demonstrated a complete transmitter for the Open Development Platform, with interfaces for integration with SDN software stack and QRNG, high rate quantum communication in the Gbaud regime, on-chip detectors with a ‘bulk’ transmitter in a transmitted local oscillator CV-QKD scheme. At component level, the interfacing with signal processing electronics of a class A system was completed. Integrated QRNGs operational for CV-QKD were made available. A new generation of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) for receiver, transmitter and QRNG components was developed.
Post processing, security analysis and advanced protocols: We have developed multi-edge-type low-density parity-check error correction codes and machine learning assisted carrier recovery, making systems robust against changing conditions. Critical advances have been made in the project on the security front: a security proof for discretely-modulated CV-QKD over noisy channels, counter-measures against Trojan horse attacks on the transmitter, a generalized security analysis framework for practical CV-QKD systems and noise suppression methods for multimode CV-QKD. Furthermore, we advanced towards asymptotic and finite size security proofs for more robust CV-MDI-QKD protocols.
Network and system integration: development of an SDN-based QKD network architecture allowing for the integration of quantum and classical communications in the same infrastructure, and produced the first version of the Software Stack. This stack is entirely model oriented and based on open interfaces and standards developed within ETSI.
Benchmarking, demonstration and standardization: We set plans for system and network demonstrations in the lab and in the field. Significantly, CiViQ technology has been demonstrated at several OpenQKD sites, e.g. Madrid, Barcelona and Copenhagen. We also introduced a specification/data sheet for device characterization, a necessary tool for standards, benchmarking and validation. CiViQ has been very active in several standardization activities, promoted by ETSI, ITU-T Y.3800 Y 3801, FG-QIT4N, QIRG-IETF, GSMA QC, IEEE P1913 and CEN/CENELEC FG/QT. Finally, CiViQ partners are main players within ETSI and the German BSI effort to establish certification for QKD.
Dissemination and exploitation: Highlights include: about 110 media pieces, with an estimated audience of 20 M, 122 posts on social media, with more than 200 K impressions, presence at numerous events, including MWC 2019 & 2022. 89 papers in refereed scientific journals, >200 conference presentations (about half of which invited) and 12 patent applications. Remarkably, some partners licensed their technology, this also leading to the creation of 3 spin-offs/start-ups (Luxquanta, Keequant and Alea Quantum Technologies).
