Public Funding for Aegiq Ltd

For numerous emerging quantum technologies, including those in the communication, photonic computing, microscopy and sensing fields, a high-quality source of quantum light is a critical enabling component. Semiconductor quantum dots have been shown to be exceptional single photon sources in the near infra-red, but a high performance commercial source operating directly in the telecommunications c-band (1530-1565nm), and therefore compatible with existing fibre networks, has yet to be demonstrated. In this project, the consortium's goal is to develop a complete field-deployable prototype using quantum dots for the efficient generation of single photons directly in the telecommunications c-band. We will achieve this by leveraging Aegiq's expertise to develop fiber-packaged, deterministic sources emitting at 1530-1565nm and capable of operation at up to GHz repetition rates. In parallel, Menhir Photonics and Université de Neuchâtel's Laboratoire Temps-Fréquence (LTF) will develop a tailored picosecond laser to optically trigger the single photon source, with underlying engineering principles of rugged, reliable and scalable operation. The prototype system will be completed with compact pulse shaping and efficient spectral filtering systems developed within the project. Project TelQuant will support the development of a new collaborative partnership between Aegiq and Menhir Photonics, while building upon an existing fruitful collaboration between Menhir Photonics and LTF at Université de Neuchâtel. The bilateral consortium envisages significant future commercial growth through the development of products and services for the burgeoning quantum technologies sector.

The Quantum Link Assurance System solves an important operational obstacle for the commercial adoption of fibre-based QKD, by offering independent link validation. The solution is designed to seamlessly fit into standard optical fibre communications networks.

QKD provides a secure method for the sharing of encryption keys. Via free-space satellite links, long-distance key sharing can be achieved and global access to the benefits of quantum technologies is enhanced. Current state-of-the-art technology has limitations, such as the need for complex, large control systems, susceptibility to loss, or a low-key generation rate. U-Quant aims to bring together collaborators with expertise in single photon source and QKD control system development to provide the market with a low-loss, low-SWaP integrated QKD system that utilises the superior performance of true quantum light sources. This development will allow ultracompact product manufacturing to take place, providing the market with a low-cost, true-quantum technology that is suitable for integration into current satellite systems.

A wide range of emerging quantum technologies including communication, photonic computing, microscopy and sensing all require a high-quality source of quantum light in order to succeed. Aegiq's goal for this project is to develop a complete field-ready, turn-key solution that can easily be incorporated into a commercial setting. We will achieve this by leveraging our leading-edge indistinguishable single-photon sources, by driving them at GHz rates with a novel ultrafast laser, developed by Fraunhofer CAP. Our deterministic source technology means this high-purity single-photon output rate will by far surpass rates that are currently limited by the performance of commercially available lasers. This will make our system ideal for high-speed quantum key distribution and quantum information processing, as well as being a brighter source for imaging or sensing applications. We aim to break down several barriers to adopting quantum technology, namely the performance and cost so that Aegiq products will be used to shape the future technology market.

QT Assemble brings together a consortium of UK companies to develop highly-innovative assembly and integration processes for new markets in quantum technologies. Waveguide writing, nanoscale alignment and monolithic integration will be used to deliver new levels of performance in robust and reliable platforms. High-performance components and systems will be demonstrated including highly-integrated lases, photon sources, photon detectors and ultra-cold matter systems. New commercial opportunities have been identified that require reliable and robust operation in quantum sensing and quantum information processing markets.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) facilitates the secure sharing of encryption keys using quantum technology. These keys can encrypt data for transmission over conventional fibre links across any distance, but QKD itself is limited over fibre to around 150km. Beyond this, 'trusted nodes' are required, but at major risk of creating security vulnerabilities. A number of fibre QKD networks are being built, including in the UK, but all are subject to this constraint. QKD through free space is less sensitive to distance. Thus, satellites provide the means for distributing keys across very large distances between end users spread across countries or continents - they are a facilitator of global QKD networks. Satellite components in QKD networks are being planned or researched in a number of countries. A consortium led by Arqit aims to establish the world's first commercial QKD satellite constellation. The first satellite is being build under contract with the European Space Agency, with a quantum payload being manufactured by European partners. There is an opportunity for the UK quantum technology industry to leapfrog other countries by creating a capability to manufacture the next generation of space QKD payloads here in the UK. The "Quantum Payload Factory" project will work with organisations across the UK to progress the state of the art of promising quantum communications technologies, understand their potential to enhance the performance of Arqit's global QKD system, validate their capabilities and technology readiness, engineer them to become "space ready" and develop an enhanced performance payload design that brings these new UK technologies into the second generation of Arqit satellites.