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The European Quantum Communication
Infrastructure Initiative |
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Slovenian Quantum Communication Infrastructure
Demonstration
Objectives:
• Build
architecture and prepare EuroQCI integration
• Improved
security
• Industrialization
& autonomy
• Deployment
& integration
• Measurements
and lessons learned
• Train
young researchers and engineers
• Grow
national expertise
Key Contacts:
• Anton Ramšak – Project Coordinator
• Rainer Kaltenbaek – Scientific & Technical Coordinator
• Barbara Dorić – Project Manager
Coordinator:
• UL FMF; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics (Anton Ramšak and Rainer Kaltenbaek)
Partners:
• IJS; Jozef Stefan Institute (Peter
Jeglič)
• Beyond Semiconductor (Matjaž
Breskvar)
• URSIV; Government Information Security Office (Marjan Kavčič)
• UVTP; Government Office for the Protection of Classified
Information (Mojca Mikac)
Background:
The volume of internet traffic increases enormously every year, and with it the
number of security breaches and the total number of classified information
disclosed. Such developments require increasingly sophisticated protection
methods if we are to reduce the risks of potential attacks. Quantum
communications is the ultimate physical solution for absolutely secure
communications for government, defence, and critical infrastructure. In this
scenario, quantum key distribution (QKD) is a protocol that enables
unconditionally secure data communications using the laws of quantum physics.
In all other (classical) information transmission technologies, it is possible
to intercept the transmitted key so that it can be copied without the sender
and receiver noticing. In the context of quantum technology, this is not
possible, but the implementation itself is technologically extremely demanding,
which is also the reason why it is only 100 years after the discovery of the
laws of quantum mechanics that their application is slowly gaining acceptance.
The SiQUID (Slovenian Quantum
Communication Infrastructure Demonstration) project will establish quantum key
distribution links between several state nodes in Slovenia and a test quantum
network between research institutions in Ljubljana for advanced quantum
communication protocols. We will coordinate our efforts with public and
industrial stakeholders and train key personnel, young researchers and
engineers in quantum technology. The first test nodes will be establishedbetween research institutions
in Ljubljana and will be based on state-of-the-art entanglement distribution
protocol. The entangled photons will be
generated through a process called spontaneous parametric down conversion. This
is a nonlinear optical process taking place in a lithium niobate crystal,
integrated in an interferometer. The secret key is generated upon detection. We
will choose the detection basis using a high-confidence random number
generator. This will form the basis for implementing QKD links between
government nodes. To reduce the cost of future QKD networks, SiQUID will
investigate the feasibility of cheaper detection node alternatives by balancing
cost against the key rates achievable in metropolitan links.
In addition, we will test advanced quantum communication protocols such as device-independent QKD and remote entanglement to further improve the
security of QKD implementations and prepare the ground for a future full-scale
quantum communication network. We are in close contact with QCI initiatives in all four neighbouring countries to facilitate harmonisation of national
efforts and enable future cross-border interconnections and implementation of
the EuroQCI space segment.
Planned QKD network:
References:
• RIBEZZO,
Domenico, PUŠAVEC, Žiga, KALTENBAEK, Rainer, RAMŠAK,
Anton, et al. Deploying an
inter-European quantum network,
Advanced Quantum Technologies
6, 2200061 (2023).