project deliverables

Title

Probabilistic one-time programs using quantum entanglement

Authors

Marie-Christine Roehsner, Joshua A. Kettlewell, Joseph Fitzsimons & Philip Walther

Abstract

Probabilistic one-time programs harness these capabilities for quantum-assisted classical computations by encoding classical software in small quantum states resulting in computer programs that can be used only once. Such self-destructing one-time programs facilitate a variety of applications reaching from software distribution to one-time delegation of signature authority. Whereas previous experiments demonstrated the feasibility of such schemes, the practical applications were limited. Here we present an improved protocol for one-time programs that resolves major drawbacks of previous schemes, by employing entangled qubit pairs. This results in four orders of magnitude higher count rates and the ability to execute a program long after the quantum information exchange has taken place. We implement a one-time delegation of signature authority over an underground fiber link between university buildings in downtown Vienna, emphasizing the compatibility of our scheme with prepare-and-measure quantum internet networks.

Venue

Nature, NPJ Quantum Information

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Contributing Partners

UNIQORN Consortium

Executive Summary 

UNIQORN project aims at delivering the enabling photonic technology to commoditize quantum communications. UNIQORN relies on photonic integration to miniaturize quantum systems from their current lab bench dimensions into millimetre chips, and to dramatically reduce their cost and improve their robustness. Starting with advanced components optimised for quantum applications UNIQORN will shoehorn entire quantum-optic systems into system-on-chip (SoC) realizations, leading to highly miniaturized solutions for further system- and network-level integration. Selected quantum applications beyond simple quantum key distribution will build on UNIQORN’s highly integrated and yet cost-effective technology and will be evaluated in lab and field.
Work Package 8 “Dissemination and exploitation activities, manufacturability studies and roadmapping” plays a vital role in the project as it aims to link the project’s technical activities with tangible target outcomes for the consortium partners. The present deliverable report D8.5 “First period exploitation plans and project dissemination” describes the consortium’s methodology for exploiting project outcomes as well as its strategy for communication and dissemination of results.
The main exploitable outcomes of UNIQORN are identified and the main players and potential exploitation paths are highlighted. To facilitate further processing, the exploitable outcomes are listed in sub-categories: (a) software design and fabrication of quantum enhanced PICs; (b) integrated components for quantum comm devices; (c) tools for quantum networks; (d) quantum comm devices; and (e) applications. Parallel to the exploitable outcomes of the project as a whole, individual exploitation directions are provided by the project partners.
The communication and dissemination strategy of UNIQORN is described, elaborating on target audience, key messages, objectives of the relevant activities and means to achieve them. The main mechanisms for communication and dissemination has been setup since the early stages of the project and includes the project website, social media accounts, graphical identity, flyers and animation video. Several activities have been carried out during the first 18 months of the project such as scientific publications, conference and workshop presentations, preparations of lectures and theses and collaborations with other projects.

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Title

QKD in Support of Secured P2P and P2MP Key Exchange for Low-Latency 5G Connectivity

Authors

Ntanos, A., Zavitsanos, D., Giannoulis, G., & Avramopoulos, H.

Abstract

A quantum-secured packetized optical fronthaul segment is thoroughly discussed. We present an extensive study on the integration of a Discrete Variable-Quantum Key Distribution (DV-QKD) link supporting the Advanced Encryption Standard-256 (AES-256) encryption of packetized fronthaul operating at 10Gbps. Secure key rates exceeding the 1Kbps and short rotation times down to 1.4s are reported for Point-to-Point (P2P) topologies by considering the latency budget of 5G fronthaul connectivity. For the multi-user environment, the Bob stations implementation of quantum layer is adapted to satisfy the connectivity needs of Point-to-Multipoint (P2MP) scenario, allowing for successful distribution of AES-256 keys to N=16 5G terminal nodes with ultra-low attack success probabilities of less than 2-60.”

Venue

IEEE 5G World Forum

Place and Date

Online, 10 September 2020

Contributing Partners

UNIVBRIS, AIT, UPB, DTU, UNIVIE, MLNX, HHI, ICCS/NTUA, UIBK, TUE, POLIMI, COSM

Executive Summary

The second quantum revolution is imminent and quantum communications is one of the main reasons since it has been identified as information-theoretical secure for data transmission. However, to achieve quantum communication networks, available compact and highperformance modules are needed together with deployed experimental testbeds for the evaluation of these modules with real application scenarios.

Under these premises, the Quantum Flagship UNIQORN project was designed aiming at early prototyping of components and system-on-chip implementations. In UNIQORN, complex systems will be integrated into highly miniaturized quantum-optic modules enabling quantum mechanical features such as entanglement and light squeezing. Moreover, these quantum technologies will be assessed in novel protocols such as oblivious transfer and one-time programs. To prototype these UNIQORN quantum technologies, field trials will be undertaken in city networks and the national dark fibre considering different real network scenarios.

This deliverable D2.1 includes the first steps towards these goals within the UNIQORN project. In D2.1, the main specifications of the UNIQORN quantum technologies are described based on the component and system functionalities of each technology. Initial set of parameters are defined, considering the technologies proposed with view on the integration of systems within potential quantum communication networks and applications. With regards to the applications, D2.1 list important scenarios where the quantum technologies developed in UNIQORN could be implemented.

The methodology used for this deliverable includes the discussion of the quantum devices contemplated within the UNIQORN framework. This will be the foundation for the systems that integrate the different technologies in order to achieve specific functionalities. In turn, the systems created in UNIQORN will be evaluated in field-trials. More importantly, very well-defined use cases will determine the usability of the quantum technologies proposed.

The first part of this deliverable D2.1 includes the description and initial specification of the quantum devices to be developed during the UNIQORN project. One of the quantum devices developed in UNIQORN is the differential phase shift (DPS) transmitter, which is specified in this D2.1. The DPS main building blocks are described considering its functionality and operation. Also, to convert wavelengths in the regime for photon-pair generation, a compactsize mode-locked laser is specified. To this end, different types of photon-pair sources are included in the D2.1, such as polarisation-entangled and time-bin sources. Add-on polymer modules are also specified in this document for different functionalities such as up conversion, SHG and electro-absorption modulator.

The implementation of reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (ROADMs) is also included within UNIQORN for routing telecommunication channels together with quantum channels and initial specifications are included in this deliverable. In addition, the design of quantum random number generators (QRNGs) is included in D2.1 and will exploit a microelectronic chip of Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) arrays with 1×2 and 1×16 arrays of single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs) and the implementation of a continuous-variable (CV) receiver is specified, considering the major challenge of manufacturing coherent detectors.

With regards to squeezed light sources, UNIQORN will follow two approaches in the design. One is based on a periodically poled lithium niobite (PPLN) waveguide and the other approach is based on a bulk PPKTP crystal. The initial specifications of such approaches are listed in this deliverable D2.1.

The second part of this deliverable D2.1 includes the system specifications. In this part, the design of a quantum white box is specified, with the main requirements listed. The main functionality of this quantum white box will focus on the flexible allocation of classical and quantum channels. Also, a DPS QKD system is briefly described in this document, as an integration of the previous work on DPS transmitters. Heralded single-photon sources described in this D2.1 will be built, during the UNIQORN project, with wavelength conversion capabilities based on PPLN waveguides. The specification of a QRNG integrated on a network interface card (NIC) is also described in here for practical evaluation in an operational system.

In addition to the previously mentioned systems, UNIQORN includes the design and specification of the oblivious and one-time program distribution systems, described in this D2.1. In this oblivious system, squeezed light sources will be used to implement an equivalent prepare-and-measure scheme. For the one-time program distribution system, UNIQORN contemplates the demonstration of a quantum information processing to execute and encode classical computation. Initial specifications are described in this document as well.

The third and final part of this deliverable D2.1 includes the UNIQORN application scenarios. One-time programs for cloud processing are detailed in this D2.1 with practical key performance indicators. These programs can be successfully applied with an arbitrarily high success probability in the implementation of one-time digital signatures. Oblivious transfer is also detailed in this document, aiming at the secure database access application.

With respect to optical networks, UNIQORN foresees the application scenarios of multidomain networking, 5G quantum security and DPS-based passive optical network (PON). For the case of the multidomain network, the operator’s metro network of COSMOTE is used as a reference for study of potential coexistence of classical and quantum channels. Then, the networking infrastructure in Bristol is considered for evaluating this coexistence. Regarding the 5G quantum security scenarios, in UNIQORN different aspects are considered and the key performance indicators are listed in D2.1. These 5G quantum security scenarios considered comprise novel 5G fronthaul and backhaul designs, including Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructures secured by quantum communications.

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Contributing Partners

AIT

Executive Summary

Communication and dissemination of project results is of major importance for the project participants. The goal of the project partners is to raise awareness, inform and engage the target audience and promote the project’s results. For these reasons we published a press release at the beginning of the project and designed the project’s communication kit.

In this report we present the official press release prepared by the Project Coordinator in English and German language, which has been distributed by the consortium members as well. Further press releases will be distributed during the running time of the project. We also present the first material for our communication kit, which will be also updated and enhanced during the project’s lifetime to meet the partners’ needs and events requirements to reach the target audience.

The graphic materials are available on the project’s website under the communication kit subpage.

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Contributing Partners

AIT

Executive Summary

In this document we present the UNIQORN website and the Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. The UNIQORN website and social media accounts have been set up in the first project month aiming at raising awareness about the project, informing and engaging with the target audience and promoting the project’s outputs and results. The UNIQORN website is a versatile communication tool which contains information for a diverse target audience and will be updated regularly with project’s news, activities and results. The Twitter and LinkedIn accounts will help us to reach the audience, who is less interested in traditional media channels and prefers getting informed from social media. All platforms are maintained by the project coordinator and will be updated regularly by input provided by the project partners.

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Contributing Partners

AIT

Executive Summary 

This deliverable presents the UNIQORN factsheet and the project’s overview presentation. The project factsheet contains information about the project idea and the project participants and will be distributed in various scientific and industry events where the project partners are planning to participate. The project presentation gives a high-level overview of the project and will be enhanced with relevant information through the project’s lifetime. It will also be used by the members of the consortium to present the project in various events. Moreover, they contain information about the EU funding incluging the EU emblem to comply with the Grant Agreement Article 29.4. Finally, both dissemination material have been designed to comply with the project’s visual identity, such as the project logo and the color palette.

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Contributing Partners

AIT

Executive Summary

This report presents the management procedures and the quality processes to provide assurance that the project partners will achieve the highest possible quality of project results.
The main aims of this report are to:
* give a high-level overview of the project’s structure
* present the rules for collaborative work within the project
* define the procedures for internal and external communication, meetings, deliverables, and publications
* describe the roles within the project and link them to persons
This document is a living document and must be read by all project participants. In addition to this contractual version, updates will be made whenever is required.