Postgraduate research opportunities Experimental Quantum Communications

The distribution of quantum states and resources are crucial for many applications of quantum technologies. This includes secure communications, networked quantum computers, distributed sensors, and enhanced positioning, navigation, and timing. Space-based systems are under development in order to demonstrate space quantum communications, particularly quantum key distribution (QKD) on a global scale.

Terrestrial QKD has already begun to be commercialised and deployed on optical fibre networks. These point-to-point links currently have limited range due to the exponential reduction in signal due to absorption in glass. The development of quantum memories and repeaters to overcome these limits is still at a relatively early stage thus free-space transmission using satellites is an attractive alternative for spanning the Earth. It can also be used to service mobile or remote end-points.

Pioneering demonstrations by the QUESS mission and the Micius satellite have spurred intense international activity to develop and deploy satellite QKD. The UK has several satellite QKD missions in development. This includes one by the Quantum Technology Hub in Quantum Communications, of which Strathclyde is a partner, to launch and operate a CubeSat to demonstrate a UK QKD payload and distribute encryption keys to optical ground stations.

A long-term goal is the development of the Quantum Internet that will require the large-scale and long-range distribution of quantum entanglement, including from space platforms. High rate, robust, and compact sources of entangled photon pairs are thus required for deployment on satellites. The main challenges are the constraints on size, weight (mass), and power (SWaP), as well as the environmental conditions of vacuum, temperature fluctuations, and radiation that a payload experiences in space.

Aims of this project are to investigate the design and characterisation of entanglement sources to achieve high pair production rate in a compact and rugged form factor, optimised for small satellite deployment and for space-based distribution to both terrestrial and space networking nodes.

The PhD student will work in the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics alongside researchers, engineers, and other students. They will also work in multidisciplinary teams within project consortia spanning academia and industry.

Further information

The PhD will be conducted jointly at the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (Fh-CAP) and the Computational Nonlinear and Quantum Optics (CNQO) group in Optics Division, Department of Physics, University of Strathclyde. Strathclyde is the only institution to be a member of all 4 Quantum Technology Hubs in both phases of the UK National Quantum Technology Programme. Uniquely placed in the UK R&D landscape, Fh-CAP enjoy an excellent reputation for developing state-of-the-art optical instrumentation optimised to meet the needs of industrial end users.