Quantum Optical Communications and Networks

Course guarantor:

Lecturer:

Tutor:

Supervisor:

Department of Computer Systems

Synopsis:

The course focuses on the basic principles and technologies for building and using quantum networks. Students will learn about the key components of quantum networks, including quantum repeaters, routers and switches, and their role in creating a scalable quantum Internet. Emphasis will be placed on quantum cryptography systems. Students will also learn the fundamentals of optics, optical networks, and classical cryptography as they relate to quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum networks. The course will cover types and architectures of QKD systems (including practical implementation of quantum protocols) according to international standards, key generation and distribution in these systems, and integration of QKD with classical communication systems. Students will also have the opportunity to explore satellite and FSO QKD systems and integrated quantum photonics and electronics.

Requirements:

Syllabus of lectures:

1. Introduction to optical communications.

2. Quantum Internet.

3. Basics of classical practical cryptography.

4. Technology elements for quantum networks.

5. Fundamentals of quantum key transfer systems.

6. Protocols with quantum state preparation and its subsequent measurement.

7. CV, MDI and interleaved protocols: variants and performance parameters.

8. Architecture and topology of networks for quantum key transfer.

9. Basics of free space optics (FSO).

10. Quantum free-space transmission systems - terrestrial and satellite - transmission methods, atmospheric effects, configuration.

11. Security of quantum key transfer systems and networks.

12. Fundamentals of integrated optics.

13. Integrated optical components for the quantum era and their parameters.

Syllabus of tutorials:

1. Calculation of optical fibre route parameters. Demonstration of optical fibre telecommunication systems. Measurement of optical fibre routes and importance of parameters for optical quantum transmission.

2. Practical measurements in IP networks and demonstration of routing.

3. Practical demonstration of data transmission using encrypted communication, demonstration of PKI, generation of keys.

4. Measurement of optical components. Optical coupling cell. Polarization hubs, interferometers. Breach of Bell inequality.

5. Basic experiments with BB84 protocol

6. Simulation of protocols for quantum key distribution.

7. Measurement on real QKD system - sifting .

8. Measurement on real QKD system - ER and PA

9. FSO measurement assembly and orientation of FSO link, measurement of communication FSO parameters

10. FSO measurement - Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometer - demonstration of 2-photon interference.

11. FSO measurement of QKD transmission

12. Design of optical planar waveguides and planar structures. Excursion to the laboratory of nanoelectronic technologies - atomic layer deposition (ALD), deep reactive ion etching (DRIE), lithography with direct notation.

13. Simulation of semiconductor lasers based on nanowires using the Silvaco TCAD system. Simulation of PN diode and avalanche photodiode. Quantum simulation of nanostructures: comparison of energy states and wave functions of atoms and quantum dots of various shapes and dimensions.

Study Objective:

The course focuses on the basic principles and technologies for building and using quantum networks. Students will learn about the key components of quantum networks, including quantum repeaters, routers and switches, and their role in creating a scalable quantum Internet. Emphasis will be placed on quantum cryptography systems. Students will also learn the fundamentals of optics, optical networks, and classical cryptography as they relate to quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum networks. The course will cover types and architectures of QKD systems (including practical implementation of quantum protocols) according to international standards, key generation and distribution in these systems, and integration of QKD with classical communication systems. Students will also have the opportunity to explore satellite and FSO QKD systems and integrated quantum photonics and electronics.

Study materials:

1.

Musa, S. M.: Network Security and Cryptography

Mercury Learning & Information, ProQuest Ebook Central, 2022, ISBN 9781683928836

2.

Duarte, F. J.: Quantum Optics for Engineers : Quantum Entanglement, Taylor & Francis Group, 2024, ISBN 9781003398707

3.

Mehic, M., et al.: Quantum Key Distribution Networks : A Quality of Service Perspective,

Springer, 2022, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06608-5

4.

Gjøsteen, K.: Practical Mathematical Cryptography, CRC Press LLC, 2022, ISBN 9781003149422

5.

Bertaccini, M.: Cryptography Algorithms : A Guide to Algorithms in Blockchain, Quantum Cryptography, Zero-Knowledge Protocols, and Homomorphic Encryption, Packt Publishing, Limited, 2022, ISBN 9781789618570

Note:

Information about the course and teaching materials can be found at https://courses.fit.cvut.cz/QNI-KOS

Further information:

https://courses.fit.cvut.cz/QNI-KOS

No time-table has been prepared for this course

The course is a part of the following study plans:

• Quantum Informatics (compulsory course in the program)