Canada-UK Quantum Technologies call: Reference-Frame Independent Quantum Communication for Satellite-Based Networks (ReFQ)

加拿大-英国量子技术呼吁：基于卫星网络的参考框架独立量子通信 (ReFQ)

• 批准号: 556321-2020
• 负责人: Jennewein, ThomasD
• 金额: $ 7.96万
• 依托单位: University of Waterloo
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Alliance Grants
• 财政年份: 2022
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2022-01-01 至 2023-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=762802
• 关键词: Canada; UK; Quantum; Technologies; call

We propose to implement and study an in-space demonstration of a new approach to perform satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). One of the main challenges in building a viable QKD system is to ensure the frames of reference of the photon encoding between the source and the receiver are aligned. We will implement and study novel quantum protocols that can simplify the integration of a QKD emitter and receiver into the space - and ground payloads. As the main outcome of this project, we will have shown the viability of an elegant quantum communication technology that could form the basis for a robust and economic solution for future quantum communication networks. The project will include the development of a modular QKD emitter that could be implemented on a low earth orbiting satellite as an experimental payload, with the target being the Canadian QEYSSat mission. Principal hardware deliverables on the project will be a QKD emitter unit that is suitable for space flight (Flight Model Unit) as well as a prototype unit that is suitable for ground testing (Engineering Model Unit).

我们建议实施和研究一种新方法的太空演示，以执行基于卫星的量子密钥分发（QKD）。 构建可行的 QKD 系统的主要挑战之一是确保源和接收器之间的光子编码参考系对齐。我们将实施和研究新颖的量子协议，这些协议可以简化 QKD 发射器和接收器与太空和地面有效载荷的集成。作为该项目的主要成果，我们将展示一种优雅的量子通信技术的可行性，该技术可以为未来量子通信网络的稳健且经济的解决方案奠定基础。该项目将包括开发模块化 QKD 发射器，该发射器可以作为实验有效载荷在近地轨道卫星上实施，目标是加拿大 QEYSSat 任务。 该项目的主要硬件交付成果将是适用于太空飞行的 QKD 发射器单元（飞行模型单元）以及适用于地面测试的原型单元（工程模型单元）。