Innovate UK’s £1.5 million MARCONI project is poised to revolutionise the field of quantum key distribution (QKD) by developing and demonstrating high-precision, modular, and scalable receiver modules. QKD is a secure communication method that utilises quantum mechanics to create and share cryptographic keys between two parties, ensuring that any attempt at interception can be detected.
The project aims to introduce two new OEM QKD receivers, built on different technologies, which will be interchangeable at the optical connection point. These receivers will be manufactured using UK-sourced components, ensuring a reliable domestic supply chain for essential quantum networking technologies.
For smaller installations and short-range communications, a four-channel single photon avalanche detector (SPAD) system will use Noiseless InGaAs technology from Phlux Technology, assembled by Bay Photonics. For larger, long-distance applications, a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) system will be employed, featuring enhanced SNSPDs from the University of Glasgow, cooled by an innovative 1K system developed by Chase Cryogenics, and paired with a new compact timetagger from Redwave Labs. Redwave Labs will also optimise the control electronics and timetaggers for both systems, which will be combined with an optical receiver module from the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP).
The University of Cambridge will demonstrate these receivers in entanglement-based discrete variable-QKD transmissions across both metropolitan and long-distance networks, using the BBM92 protocol. This showcase will underline the scalability and performance of the MARCONI receivers.
The MARCONI project addresses two key challenges: establishing a UK-led supply chain for quantum networking components and improving the scalability of quantum networks. The project is targeting the rapidly expanding QKD market, projected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2028. By developing high-performance OEM receiver modules for both small and large installations, MARCONI aims to disrupt the market and reduce dependence on single-source suppliers.
MARCONI’s innovations offer considerable economic and security benefits, including job creation and retention within the UK supply chain, enhanced national security through the use of more secure QKD systems, reduced reliance on imports for advanced photonics systems, and elevating the UK’s reputation in the photonics sector. Redwave Labs, as the system integrator, will lead efforts to commercialise these advancements. The project is expected to generate significant revenue and growth opportunities for all consortium partners.
Funded by Innovate UK under the Scalable Quantum Network Technologies: Collaborative R&D programme, the MARCONI initiative not only strengthens the UK’s capabilities in bringing scalable quantum network technologies to market but also boosts national security and economic development.
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