Host Institute: ID Quantique SA

Project Supervisor: Dr. Félix Bussières

ESR: Gaëtan Gras

Starting date: March 2017

Duration: 3 years

Project Description

The security of any cryptographic system relies on two features: the security of its underlying principles and that of its implementation. QKD is one of few crypto technologies that have an information-theoretically proven security principle. In practice, one also needs to demonstrate the security of its implementation, and one critical component are the single-photon detectors. The aim of this project is to improve the security level of commercial QKD devices developed by ID Quantique (IDQ), with a focus on the design and integration of single-photon detectors in its commercial systems. Practical security of commercial QKD systems will be guaranteed by successive iterations of loophole demonstrations and countermeasure implementations. This project will be carried out in collaboration with the Group of Applied Physics and Quantum Technologies at the University of Geneva. IDQ will ensure the compatibility of the proposed solutions with the commercial requirements. The student will be the key to consolidate collaborations to work on the new commercial QKD product. With quantum hacking being a prolific field nowadays, ongoing efforts will be made to find countermeasures for known attacks. This is in line with the IDQ’s proactive strategy to ensure the public of practical security of its QKD devices.

Project Outcomes

To be updated.