Bay Photonics, Nokia and Oxford University publish Handheld QKD paper

Bay Photonics, Nokia and Oxford University publish Handheld QKD paper

Quantum Computing Market report 2018 helps to investigate modest expansions such as joint exertion, tactical associations, unions and acquirements, new product developments, and research and developments in the Quantum Computing Sales Market 2018 Industry Trend and Forecast 2023.

The major factors driving the growth of this market include rising incidences of cybercrimes, early adoption of quantum computing in the defense and automotive industry, and increasing investment by government entities in the market. To secure mobile transactions, quantum key distribution systems are being adopted. Quantum keys are considered secure, as it cannot be easily hacked. Moreover, the University of Oxford (England), Nokia Corporation (Finland) and Bay Photonics Ltd. (UK) have developed a device, which is capable of sending quantum keys using polarized light, thereby making the payments more secure on a smartphone. This factor would have a positive impact on the quantum computing market during the forecast period.

Bay Photonics are pleased to announce the publishing of a paper outlining the Feasibility Study of a handheld Quantum Key Distribution device.

The program was initially started in 2015 as an Innovate UK award and had Oxford University and Nokia Technologies with Bay Photonics as partners.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a cryptographic scheme which provides an unprecedented level of data security. This can be used to prevent data breaches such as ATM ‘Skimming’ attacks. Our project seeks to develop practical application of QKD in securing short-range wireless communication between a terminal such as an ATM and a handheld device (e.g. mobile phone). Our consortium, Nokia R&D UK Ltd., Bay Photonics and University of Oxford have identified the 3 main barriers to commercialisation, namely, the lack of low-cost optical wireless steering techniques, high cost barrier to complex optical assembly for quantum receivers and the lack of mass-manufacturable single photon detector (SPD) arrays on CMOS platform. A fast and precise optical steering device (University of Oxford) that directs single photons from a handheld device to a quantum receiver will be developed. Testing of individual system components was carried out. In particular, miniaturised and simplified optical assemblies using existing UK manufacturing capability was researched, built and tested for QKD use by Bay Photonics. Critical parameters of SPD arrays on scalable CMOS platform were measured (University of Oxford) and used in detailed simulation and modelling to select the best suited steering method. Finally, a prototype wireless quantum link will be built (Nokia & University of Oxford) with simplified optics (Bay Photonics) to demonstrate the feasibility of secure quantum wireless transactions.

The full article is published inOptics Express here https://www.osapublishing.org/oe/fulltext.cfm?uri=oe-25-6-6784&id=361628

Bay Photonics are experts in the design, assembly and packaging of photonic devices.