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UK Quantum Communications Hub celebrates 10 year milestone

Posted on 23 October 2024

Researchers at the Quantum Communications Hub are celebrating 10 years of contributions to understanding how digital information can be shared safely and securely.

Partnerships has been key to the success of the Hub

Research at the Hub, which is led by the University of York, has created an unhackable UK quantum-secured network, with experts developing working testbeds around Bristol and Cambridge, connected via London.

Quantum communications operates on the principle that particles of light can transmit data along optical cables in a highly fragile state, which means that the particles collapse if interfered with by someone trying to manipulate or steal private data, such as bank information, in transit.

Clear vision

Hub Director, Professor Tim Spiller, said: “We have achieved all our technology development objectives during the 10 years against a clear vision. Our work can now crystallise into commercial value and widespread use.

“In particular, there is an opportunity to grow the initial quantum-secured communications networks, using standard fibre optic cabling, to support both commercial applications and also the next steps towards a quantum internet.”

In a recent research breakthrough, scientists have successfully tested a fibre-optic cable to pass quantum communications under the Irish Sea between the Republic of Ireland and England. It is the longest stretch of fibre-optic cable ever used to enable quantum communications underwater, and the first time a quantum link has ever been tested between Ireland and the UK.

Matter and energy

Other projects include space quantum communications, where experts created secure communications via satellite over all distances; a miniaturised, low-cost prototype that could open a market for secure transfer using mobile devices; and enabling scalable, energy-efficient quantum secure solutions for mass-market deployment.

Since its creation in 2014, the Hub has led projects to develop quantum science, which explains and explores matter and energy at the fundamental level, into communications technologies with commercial uses.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “Collaboration has been key to the success of the Hub, and has helped ensure that industry in particular understands the significance of quantum technologies, their opportunities and challenges.

“York’s expertise in this field across computer science, mathematics and physics has meant that these partnerships have remained strong, leading to the delivery of prototype products and services that will have a significant impact on how communications are delivered in the future.”

Industry partnerships

Researchers have collaborated with the National Physical Laboratory, RAL Space, and with over 30 industry partners, including Toshiba Europe and BT, bringing together universities from across the country.

Andrew Lord, BT Senior Manager, Optics and Quantum Research, said: “We couldn’t have been even close to the position we are in today on quantum without the close interaction with the Quantum Communications Hub and the associated support from Innovate UK. The access to world-class research has unlocked the power of quantum for us and I am excited to see how we now start to commercialise it.”

The Quantum Communications Hub, supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, through the UK National Quantum Technologies Programme, has published its 10-year legacy report describing progress across its many technology themes, and can be accessed here. 

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