Skip to main content
Go to the home page of the European Commission (opens in new window)
English English
CORDIS - EU research results
CORDIS

Adaptive Optics for Quantum Communication

Project description

Secure free-space quantum communications enabled by adaptive optics

Quantum communication offers unparalleled advantages over classical communication in terms of security and data rates. Its fundamental strength derives from the fact that information can be encoded into the spatial properties of photons. Disturbances in the distribution of quantum states in free space have been hindering quantum communication technologies from making the leap from the laboratories to practical implementations. The goal of the ADOQ project, which received funding under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, is to enhance information capacity and enlarge distances of free-space quantum communications. This ambitious goal will be achieved by combining quantum light shaping, high-speed adaptive optics systems and high-sensitivity quantum imaging sensors.

Objective

Securing exchanges of information on a global scale represents a major challenge in our society today. The emerging field of quantum communication relies on the fundamental laws of physics to offer unconditional security. In this respect, encoding information on spatial properties of photons has recently demonstrated a strong potential for increasing security level and data rates of quantum communications. However, disturbances in the distribution of quantum states in free-space (i.e. atmospheric turbulence) are critical challenges that must be overcome to advance beyond laboratory proof-of-principle demonstrations and implement long-distance communications. The goal of this work is to enhance information capacity and enlarge distances of free-space quantum communications by monitoring optical disturbances using adaptive optics. This ambitious goal will be achieved by combining the powerful techniques of the emerging field of quantum light shaping, with the speed of adaptive optics systems and the extreme sensitivity and high temporal resolution of quantum imaging sensors. Specifically, the proposal is based on our novel insight that wavefront correction performed in the classical domain (i.e. using an intense classical light beam) can be transferred to the quantum domain to prevent degradation of quantum states that carry the information.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.

You need to log in or register to use this function

Programme(s)

Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-RI - RI – Reintegration panel

See all projects funded under this funding scheme

Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

See all projects funded under this call

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF GLASGOW
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.

€ 212 933,76
Address
UNIVERSITY AVENUE
G12 8QQ Glasgow
United Kingdom

See on map

Region
Scotland West Central Scotland Glasgow City
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 212 933,76
My booklet 0 0