Multipartite entanglement distribution in quantum networks
Alejandra Beghelli, University College London
Entanglement distribution is a key enabler of quantum communications. In this talk, novel protocols with increased entanglement rate for multipartite entanglement distribution in quantum networks are presented.
Satellite quantum communication
Alessandro Fedrizzi, Professor of Physics, Heriot-Watt University
Quantum communication provides a secure method to distribute encryption keys. The technology has matured considerably; early-stage systems are available commercially, and several regional quantum communication networks have been established. In terrestrial fibre networks, quantum communication distances are limited to a few hundred kilometres due to optical loss. The solution to reach global coverage is to inter-connect regional networks via satellite quantum links. In this talk I will review the status quo of satellite quantum communication, which despite its infancy has produced some spectacular results. I will then focus on UK programs, including the planned UK Quantum Communications Hub cube-sat demonstration and our quest for intercontinental quantum key distribution via the Canadian QEYSat mission.
Advanced photonic building blocks for dynamic reconfigurable networks in hyperscale data centres
Richard Pitwon, Resolute Photonics
In this talk I will introduce the activities of two new European projects DYNAMOS and ADOPTION, on which Resolute Photonics will develop advanced photonic subsystems to allow deployment and reconfiguration of ultra-dynamic photonic components for data communication, using new optical wavelength bands, space division multiplexing, new integration schemes, optical switching and new switching paradigms, as solutions for time-deterministic and time-sensitive networks. The photonic subsystems building blocks will allow complex optical functionalities to be constructed on the fly as part of a near-packaged optical (NPO) and co-packaged optical (CPO) configuration on host boards for hyperscale data centre networking systems. Advances will cover a range of use cases from optical switching in commercial applications to optical flow or packet switching approaches that would become practical for the industrial Internet with devices able to work in harsh environments and across wider temperature operating ranges, or in high humidity.
Sources, detectors and devices for quantum communication systems
Dr Andrew Robertson, CTO, Bay Photonics
Quantum communications is enabled by photonic devices. Single photon detectors and sources are the basic components required for quantum based optical data transmission. Of course, packaging of these devices is critical and operation at low temperature (down to cryogenic) temperature is typically required. Ground-breaking advances in semiconductor chip design for quantum technology (QT) are taking place against the current background of efforts to simplify and cost reduce photonics based components in the more mature telecoms market, often focussing largely on the packaging element, with a drive towards un-cooled and non-hermetic packages. We look at the photonic packaging challenges for critical quantum enabling components and issues arising through the use of industry standard photonic package solutions as well as highlighting potential new solutions and technological breakthroughs required to enable the future commercial success of photonic driven QT communication applications.
Polarisation Based Entanglement Distribution Quantum Networking
Marcus Clark, University of Bristol
As quantum technology develops a method of interconnecting separated quantum system is required. For a resource efficient internet of quantum systems, this method needs to be use case agnostic. Here we present a scalable entanglement distribution quantum network functioning in the telecommunications C-Band. We have achieved a network of 10 nodes, each simultaneously sharing entanglement with all other parties, preforming quantum key distribution continuously for 10.8 days with a weighted average secret key rate of 3.4 bps.