MISSILE - quantuM wIth Structured lightS In military tElecommunication - SnT

This research explores the use of Natural Language Processing, AI, and Intelligent Conversation technologies to enhance automation in the financial sector.

The project at a glance

Start date:

01 Jan 2025
Duration in months:

24
Funding:

Ministry of Defence
Principal Investigator(s):

Jorge QUEROL

Mert BAYRAKTAR

About

Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a crucial technology for secure quantum communication; however, its performance is significantly hindered by atmospheric turbulence, which causes beam distortion, increased quantum bit error rate (QBER), and reduced transmission distance. This research aims to enhance the reliability and efficiency of Free-Space QKD by employing structured light, specifically Bessel and Laguerre-Gaussian beams, which exhibit advantageous properties such as self-healing, low scintillation, and reduced beam wander. These properties enable more robust signal transmission, mitigating the detrimental effects of turbulence and improving the overall system performance. The study integrates both theoretical modeling and experimental validation. Initially, different structured beam types will be analyzed to determine their feasibility for QKD applications. A custom turbulence simulation setup will be developed in a controlled laboratory environment to assess the impact of structured beams on key performance indicators, such as secret key rate and QBER, compared to classical Gaussian beams. Following laboratory trials, real-world outdoor testing will be conducted on the Kirchberg campus to validate findings under practical conditions. By leveraging structured light, this research seeks to achieve a 20% increase in transmission distance and a 15% improvement in secret key rate, contributing to the development of more resilient quantum communication systems. The outcomes of this study will support advancements in quantum-secure communication, particularly in military and cybersecurity applications, and align with Cyberhub research priorities related to securing Earth and space robotics communication systems.