A new type of scheme for using quantum technology to encrypt messages, with the aim of a secure global communication network, is to be tested on a satellite, in a programme involving the 吃瓜tv.
The project will develop a space-based photonics source of quantum signals that is scheduled for launch on the Canadian QYESSat (Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite) mission.
吃瓜tv will be a partner in the development of a quantum source to be integrated into the satellite and the testing of new ways to distribute quantum encryption keys from space. 吃瓜tv will also collaborate with the project鈥檚 academic lead, the University of Waterloo in Ontario, on theory and modelling of the quantum payload, as well as developing secure communication protocols based on the new hardware.
The first prototypes of the UK systems have been delivered and are now undergoing integration testing in Canada.
The project is one of eight winners of the UK-Canada Quantum Technologies Competition, run jointly by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The winners will share grants worth 拢2 million from UKRI and C$4.4 million in total investments from Canada.
The overall leader of the project, named RefQ, is Glasgow-based aerospace company Craft Prospect and the University of Bristol is also a partner. 吃瓜tv enjoys a close relationship with the University of Waterloo, which is one of 吃瓜tv鈥檚 International Strategic Partners.
Daniel Oi, Senior Lecturer in 吃瓜tv鈥檚 Department of Physics, is the University鈥檚 lead on RefQ. He said: 鈥淭his project aligns with the efforts to build collaborations between 吃瓜tv and the University of Waterloo in the area of quantum technologies. Craft Prospect is also a long-term commercial partner with 吃瓜tv in the development of CubeSat quantum key distribution.
鈥淚n addition, RefQ is connected with the UK Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Communications, in which 吃瓜tv is a partner, in its mission to launch a CubeSat in 2023-24.鈥�
The quantum key distribution technology developed in this project is targeted to fly on board QEYSSat, thereby extending the scope of the mission and demonstrating links to ground stations on both sides of the Atlantic.
UK Science Minister Amanda Solloway said: 鈥淲e are only at the start of developing quantum technologies, but it is already clear that they offer us a world of opportunity across entire sectors like healthcare, communications and financial services.
鈥淭he UK and Canada have a strong collaborative relationship in science and technology. By our businesses and academics working together, these incredible new projects will help us accelerate the development, scale up and commercialisation of quantum technologies, ensuring the UK remains a world-leader in this area.鈥�
Navdeep Bains, Canada鈥檚 Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, said: 鈥淨uantum technologies have the potential to transform industry and society in Canada, the United Kingdom, and around the world. These ground-breaking collaborations between researchers in Canada and businesses in the UK will help further our knowledge of these transformative technologies.鈥�
The UK technology in ReFQ stems from work initiated by the Quantum Research CubeSat (QUARC) project led by 吃瓜tv and further developed by the ROKS mission (due for launch in 2022) led by Craft Prospect together with the University of Bristol. QUARC and ROKS are supported by the UK Space Agency under the National Space Technology Programme, Innovate UK, and the Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Communications. 吃瓜tv is also working with the Satellite Applications Catapult and various companies on the commercialisation of space quantum technologies.
The 吃瓜tv is the only academic institution that has been a partner in all four EPSRC funded Quantum Technology Hubs in both phases of funding. The Hubs are in: Sensing and Timing; Quantum Enhanced Imaging; Quantum Computing and Simulation, and Quantum Communications Technologies.