A team of researchers at the University of Bristol’s Quantum Engineering Technology Labs (QETLabs), have developed photon quantum chips to provide chip-to-chip encryption security for the first time.
They have used standard semiconductor techniques to produce optical chips that distribute cryptographic keys using the quantum properties of entanglement, superposition and the absolute randomness provided by quantum behavior.
As a result, they've created the world’s first chip-to-chip quantum secured communication system.
“The system we have developed allows information to be exchanged using single photons of light in a quantum state,” said the researchers.
Pictured below, is the lead author, Philip Sibson in the lab.
"The system we have developed allows information to be exchanged using single photons of light in a quantum state,” explained Professor Mark Thompson, Principal investigator. "If an eavesdropper hacks your transmission, they will collapse the fragile quantum states and the system will immediately alert you to their presence and terminate the transmission."
To achieve this milestone, the researchers from the university have collaborated with researchers from Glasgow and NiCT in Japan. They have a goal to integrate the system into everyday electrical devices, such as laptops and mobile phones.
The team at Bristol has even spun off a company, KETS Quantum Security, to explore the commercial applications for this technology.
"Our research opens the way to many applications that have, until now, been unfeasible."
The work was supported by the UK Quantum Communication Hub, part of the National Network of Quantum Technology hubs, demonstrating the next generation of quantum technologies.
