The first half of 2023 has passed, and Kexin Quantum has summarized the progress of quantum key distribution (QKD) in the first half of the year. A total of 18 progresses have been counted. From the field of view, it includes technological progress and commercial progress; from the perspective of the subject of realization, both quantum enterprises and research institutions have made technological breakthroughs; In the progress of QKD, 7 items were realized by China, but the main body of the realization is the scientific research team of research institutions or universities.
01
China University of Science and Technology implements pattern matching QKD
In January, Pan Jianwei and Chen Tengyun of University of Science and Technology of China cooperated with Ma Xiongfeng of Tsinghua University to realize Mode-pairing QKD experimentally for the first time , and related research results were published in Physical Review Letters )superior.
The Pattern Matching Quantum Key Distribution Protocol (MP-QKD) is a new measurement device-independent quantum key distribution protocol proposed by the Ma Xiongfeng Research Group of Tsinghua University in 2022. As a result of the detection response, the communication parties perform pairing according to certain rules, and then perform post-processing operations such as base vector comparison and parameter estimation according to the pairing situation to generate the final security key.
Schematic diagram of the pattern-matching quantum key distribution protocol. Source: Science and Technology Department of China University of Science and Technology
Reference link:
https://kyb.ustc.edu.cn/2023/0213/c6076a592042/page.htm
02
British and New Zealand companies cooperate to develop quantum laser communication optical ground station
UK-based Archangel Lightworks is reducing SWaP-C for optical ground stations to make laser communications affordable and available. Singapore-based SpeQtral designs and manufactures satellite-based quantum communication systems and provides end-to-end distribution of quantum encryption keys. While the data used in the two approaches are distinct, the technology and customers are often similar (such as data centers, telcos, and governments).
In February, Archangel Lightworks and SpeQtral partnered on the Quantum Laser Communications Optical Ground Station (QLOGS) project to explore areas of overlap in terms of use cases and the development of technologies needed to realize them. The QLOGS project is supported by Innovate UK (part of the UK Technology Strategy Council) and Enterprise Singapore.
Reference link:
https://speqtral.space/speqtral-collaborates-with-archangel-lightworks-to-develop-quantum-enabled-optical-ground-station/
03
QuantLR launches commercial QKD solution
In March, QuantLR, an Israeli quantum cryptography company, announced the official launch of its first commercial product based on QKD technology . The product, called "LoQomo 1," provides the highest level of protection for secure communication lines. It has been successfully tested by several reputed customers and has demonstrated its performance and resilience in all conditions.
The solution offers the most cost-effective performance on the market to date and is now ready for large-scale deployment. Previously, cost had been the main barrier to widespread implementation of this unbreakable technology, and QuantLR's LoQomo 1 shatters that. Customers for the product include telecom operators, data center service providers, critical infrastructure and government agencies.
Reference link:
https://quantlr.com/uncategorized/press-release-quantlr-launches-its-ground-breaking-first-commercial-product-loqomo-1-based-on-quantum-key-distribution-qkd-technology-providing-a-significantly-more-co/
04
LuxQuanta launches commercial CV-QKD solution
LuxQuanta, a European pioneer in quantum cryptography, has announced the commercialization of the "NOVA LQ" system, a high-performance Continuously Variable Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) solution for urban networks. The solution has the advantages of easy deployment, high reliability, elasticity and fast key generation
The core goal of LuxQuanta is to develop CV-QKD technology, and its mission is to remove some of the key limitations that hinder the large-scale deployment of QKD technology on a global scale. NOVA LQ is its first step towards a fully integrable and scalable QKD system to provide a quantum secure network. With NOVA LQ, companies are able to deploy QKD systems with the potential to reduce capital expenditures
Reference link:
https://thequantuminsider.com/2023/03/02/luxquanta-launches-its-first-cv-qkd-system-nova-lq/
05
AWS and Customers Complete Quantum Secure Communication Experiments in a Metropolis
In March, the Amazon AWS Center for Quantum Networks (CQN) announced that it had completed its first quantum-safe communication trial in a customer environment. Working with Singapore's CQT Center for Quantum Technology, Horizon Quantum Computing and NQSN Platforms, it has implemented a point-to-point quantum secure network in Singapore, establishing a link connecting the two sites using a standard fiber optic network. They successfully connected two QKD devices (mapped to about 16 kilometers of fiber optic cable) on two buildings 3 kilometers apart, and configured a VPN tunnel using both QKD technology and AWS edge computing hardware.
Reference link:
https://aws.amazon.com/cn/blogs/quantum-computing/implementing-a-quantum-secured-network-in-a-metropolitan-area/
06
Beijing Quantum Research Institute achieved the first 615-kilometer open-frame double-field QKD
In February, Yuan Zhiliang's team from the Beijing Institute of Quantum Information Science used optical frequency comb technology to realize an open-architecture dual-field quantum key distribution system for the first time, and completed a 615-kilometer optical fiber quantum key distribution experiment. Relevant research results were published in the international academic journal Nature Communications.
Quantum key distribution is based on the basic principles of quantum physics and one-time pad encryption, which can realize unconditional secure communication. In 2018, Toshiba Europe Research Institute in the UK proposed a new dual-field protocol, which makes the secure code rate decrease linearly with the square root of channel attenuation, and can break through the code rate limit without relays. It is a feasible solution for realizing optical fiber quantum communication over 500 kilometers .
Figure a shows the traditional closed fiber architecture. Figure b shows the open architecture pioneered by the team of Chinese scientist Yuan Zhiliang, which can reduce the cost of system construction while ensuring the security of quantum communication. Source: Official website of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Reference link:
https://www.cas.cn/kj/202303/t20230309_4879185.shtml
07
University of Science and Technology of China achieves 100M bit rate QKD
Pan Jianwei and Xu Feihu from the University of Science and Technology of China cooperated with researchers from Shanghai Institute of Microsystems, Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, and Harbin Institute of Technology to develop high-fidelity integrated photonics quantum state regulation and high count rate superconducting single photon detection. And other key technologies, for the first time in the world to achieve real-time quantum key distribution of 100 megabit rates, the experimental results have increased the previous record of coding rate by an order of magnitude . The achievement was published in the internationally renowned academic journal Nature Photonics.
Reference link:
https://www.cas.cn/syky/202303/t20230314_4880029.shtml
08
Peking University research team makes progress in classically compatible digital QKD
On March 24, 2023, the Peking University-Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications joint research team led by Professor Guo Hong from the School of Electronics, Peking University made a breakthrough in the research of continuous variable quantum key distribution, and completed the application of digital signal processing technology to continuous variable quantum key distribution. The security proof of key distribution provides a strong support for the construction of digital quantum key distribution compatible with classical coherent optical communication signal processing algorithms. Relevant results were published online in npj quantum information, an international academic journal under Nature Publishing House.
Reference link:
https://news.pku.edu.cn/jxky/31240a4b5368405a84b84e3ef26d1b99.htm
09
The world's first QKD protection profile is officially released
In April, the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) released the world's first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Protection Profile - ETSI GS QKD 016. The ETSI specification will help manufacturers submit QKD modules for security certification, ensuring that telecom operators and enterprises can use certified products to protect their networks. The specification was written by the "Deutsche Telekom Security" team under the direction of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).
Reference link:
https://www.etsi.org/newsroom/press-releases/2222-etsi-releases-world-first-protection-profile-for-quantum-key-distribution
10
China realizes 1,000-kilometer unrepeated fiber QKD
In May, Pan Jianwei and Zhang Qiang of the University of Science and Technology of China cooperated with Wang Xiangbin of Tsinghua University, Liu Yang of Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, You Lixing and Zhang Weijun of Shanghai Institute of Microsystems, Chinese Academy of Sciences, through the development of low crosstalk phase reference signal control and extremely low noise single Technologies such as photon detectors have realized 1002 kilometers of point-to-point long-distance quantum key distribution in optical fiber , which not only set a world record for quantum key distribution distance without relays in optical fiber, but also provided a solution for high-speed backbone links of intercity quantum communication . Relevant research results were published in the international academic journal Physical Review Letters on May 25.
Schematic diagram of the long-distance quantum key distribution experimental system. Source: Official website of Chinese Academy of Sciences
Reference link:
https://www.cas.cn/syky/202305/t20230530_4892013.shtml
11
Scientists develop high-speed QKD system based on integrated photonics
In May, scientists from Switzerland and Italy jointly developed a quantum key distribution (QKD) system based on integrated photonics, which can transmit secure keys at an unprecedented speed . All components of this new QKD system are integrated on a chip except the laser and the detector, which leads to its compactness, low cost and ease of mass production.
Reference link:
https://www.optica-opn.org/home/newsroom/2023/june/chip-based_solution_delivers_high-speed_qkd/
12
IDQ joined the EAGLE-1 program to assist in the development of the Xingdi QKD system
In June, ID Quantique (IDQ), an industry leader in quantum security solutions, announced that it has participated in the European Union's EAGLE-1 program. The plan aims to build a satellite-ground integrated quantum key distribution (QKD) system that will provide secure transmission of encryption keys to geographically dispersed areas and demonstrate spatial connectivity between EU national quantum communication infrastructure and sovereign networks.
EAGLE-1 is being developed by a consortium of 20 European organizations led by private satellite company SES and partially funded by the European Space Agency and the European Commission. After joining the program, IDQ will develop a space-grade encryption key generation system based on its quantum random number generator (QRNG) technology for the consortium members of EAGLE-1 and TESAT, a leading European laser communication technology company.
Reference link:
https://www.idquantique.com/id-quantique-joins-eagle-1-europes-pioneering-quantum-key-distribution-initiative/
13
Scientists develop new OKD system based on silicon photonics
In June, a research team led by Professor Hugo Zbinden of the University of Geneva developed a silicon photonics-based quantum key distribution (QKD) system that can transmit secure keys at 2.5GHz . In this high-speed QKD system, all components except the laser and the detector are integrated on a single chip. It has the advantages of compact structure, low cost, and easy mass production.
Reference link:
https://www.photonics.com/Articles/Integrated_High-Speed_QKD_Broadens_Reach_of/a69090
14
University of Science and Technology of China made progress in QKD offensive and defensive research
In June, the team of Academician Guo Guangcan of the University of Science and Technology of China made important progress in the actual safety research of QKD. The team Han Zhengfu, Wang Shuang, Yin Zhenqiang, Chen Wei, etc. discovered a potential security loophole in the QKD transmitter modulation device, and used this loophole to complete the quantum hacking attack. Experiments show that: when the sender of QKD does not strictly protect this vulnerability, attackers may use it to obtain all key information.
Two results of related research were published in internationally renowned journals "Optica" [Optica, 10, 520-527(2023)] and "Physical Review Applied" [Physical Review Applied, 19,054052(2023)] respectively, and were selected as Editorial recommendations for the current issue.
Quantum hacking setup for measurement-device-independent systems. Source: USTC official website
Reference link:
https://news.ustc.edu.cn/info/1055/83496.htm
15
The existing optical fiber network can realize the coexistence of data service and QKD technology
In June, in a new study, Toshiba Europe, in collaboration with French telecom company Orange, found that QKD technology could be successfully implemented alongside data services on existing fiber optic networks . The work helps eliminate the need for dedicated quantum fiber infrastructure, providing network security while reducing the cost of implementing QKD technology for network operators.
Reference link:
https://www.toshiba.eu/quantum/news/toshiba-europe-and-orange-demonstrate-viability-of-deploying-quantum-key-distribution-with-existing-networks-and-services/
16
Adva and Jena collaborate to demonstrate entanglement-based QKD solutions
In June, Adva Cyber Security and Jena Quantum Optics successfully jointly demonstrated an entanglement-based QKD technology. The field trial leveraged Jena's quantum key generation and verification technology combined with Adva's ConnectGuard Layer 1 encryption solution between the two companies' data centers owned and operated by IT service provider TLRZ in Thuringia, Germany A secure optical communication channel is established.
Reference link:
https://www.adtran.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/20230605-adva-network-security-and-quantum-optics-jena-showcase-german-made-qkd-solutio
17
Terra enables quantum-safe communications over 1,000 kilometers of fiber optic cable
In June, Terra Quantum has successfully carried out quantum-safe communication on a 1,032-kilometer telecommunications optical cable, and set a new record for QKD data transmission rate. The previous record was 0.0034 bits per second set by Chinese researchers two weeks ago, and Terra's current record is 34 bits per second. The experiment used and validated Terra's new method of long-range quantum-safe communication, which utilizes infrastructure similar to that used in existing telecommunications networks today. Users using the technology only need to install on-site at the sender and receiver. Specific quantum encryption and decoding hardware.
Reference link:
https://terraquantum.swiss/news/terra-quantum-breaks-records-in-quantum-key-distribution-paving-way-to-offering-unprecedented-security-over-existing-fiber-optic-networks-globally
18
Beijing Quantum Institute creates a new record of intercity quantum secret key rate
In June, Yuan Zhiliang’s team from the Beijing Institute of Quantum Information Science cooperated with Yin Hualei from Nanjing University to achieve experimentally for the first time an asynchronous measurement device-independent quantum key distribution (also known as pattern-matching quantum key distribution) that breaks the security code rate-distance boundary. Successfully achieved 508 kilometers of optical fiber quantum communication, as well as a record-breaking intercity key rate and two-photon interference distance.
Relevant research results were published in the internationally renowned academic journal "Physical Review Letters" (Physical Review Letters), and was selected as Editors' Suggestion. The Physics website of the American Physical Society invited international experts to write related Viewpoint review articles. At the same time, "Physical Review Letters" also highlighted this work to the news media in the scientific and technological circles in the form of a press release.
Reference link:
http://www.baqis.ac.cn/news/detail/?cid=1740