Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOFWe develop advanced end-to-end systems for quantum communication based on state-of-the-art concepts. Our focus is on achieving the highest bitrates in flexible application scenarios, underpinned by the latest security proofs.
Quantum Cryptosystems
Development and Implementation of Complex and Advanced Systems for Quantum Communication
Your Partner
Developing prototypes and end-to-end demonstrators based on the latest protocols for quantum communication and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
We devise solutions for the hardware implementation of state-of-the-art quantum communication protocols and create goal-oriented pipelines for extracting initial secure data bits.
Our Services and Competencies
Empowering Reliable Quantum Communication and QKD Systems
The demand for quantum communication and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems is continuously rising. As these systems advance, they integrate an increasing number of auxiliary hardware components for monitoring, stabilization, and operational ease. Navigating this complexity requires specialized expertise, and our research group is dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to these intricate requirements.
Addressing the Complexity of Quantum Technologies
Quantum communication encompasses a multitude of sophisticated technologies, each critical to building robust and secure systems. Our team leverages a diverse range of state-of-the-art technologies to construct comprehensive quantum communication systems:
- In the time domain, ultra-stable clocks play a vital role in significantly reducing temporal drifts, enhancing system precision. Reference lasers enable a direct connection and reduce the differential time drifts significantly. Alternatively, post-processing techniques based on distributed quantum information could be used to reduce hardware resources.
- In the frequency domain, a laser with sufficiently small bandwidth is required to interfere two temporal modes in the BB84 protocol. Advanced protocols like MDI or Twin-Field additionally require Hz-scale differential drifts of the wavelength, which increases the source complexity significantly.
- Polarization control is another critical aspect, where expertise in polarization-based encodings, such as in the BBM92 protocol, and interference-based protocols like MDI is essential. Reliable feedback mechanisms and physical adjustments using fiber squeezers, paddles, wave plates, and other tools are implemented to maintain polarization integrity, which is paramount for the secure transmission of quantum information.
Development of optical systems for various QKD protocols and beyond.
Building Integrated Quantum Systems
Our role is to integrate these diverse technologies into cohesive, high-performance quantum communication systems tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require comprehensive system design or targeted support in specific areas, we provide the expertise to manage and optimize every aspect of your quantum communication projects. This includes:
- Comprehensive System Design:
Guidance across a broad range of protocols or complete end-to-end system development, from photon sources to secure key generation. - Practical Security Solutions:
Security proofs tailored to your hardware and quantum system hacking services to identify and close potential vulnerabilities. - Collaborative Innovation:
Partnering with industry leaders and research institutions to push the boundaries of quantum communication.
Why Partner with Us
Navigating the intricate landscape of quantum technologies can be challenging. Our experience lies precisely in managing these complexities, ensuring your projects achieve optimal performance and security. By collaborating with us, you gain access to a team that understands the nuanced interplay of various quantum technologies and can deliver solutions that meet your unique requirements.
Our Services Include:
- Quantum Information Processing for QKD
- Development of Optical Concepts and Systems for Quantum Communication
- Practical Security Proofs and Quantum Hacking for Your Applications
Let us help you navigate the "jungle" of quantum technologies.
Reach out to our team to explore how we can support your quantum communication initiatives and drive innovation forward.
Markets and Applications
We leverage our expertise in quantum cryptosystems across various application fields, including but not limited to:
- Secure Financial Transactions
- Government and Military Communications
- Telecommunications Infrastructure
- Healthcare Data Protection
- Scientific Research and Data Integrity
- And much more...
Examples:
- Implementation of QKD in satellite communications
- Secure key distribution for cloud computing services
- Enhanced encryption for IoT devices
Secure data transmission for critical infrastructure
Your Benefits in Working with Us
- Expertise:
Comprehensive design and assembly of quantum cryptosystems - End-to-End Solutions:
From concept development to implementation, including assembly, adjustment and development of its postprocessing routines. - Compliance and Assurance:
Ensuring high standards of product assurance, especially in space projects. - Innovative Approaches:
Utilizing advanced technologies and methodologies to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving field of quantum communication.
Technical Equipment
| Test beds | |
| Free-space link | 1.7 km free-space link |
| Inter-city fiber link | 70 km inter-city deployed fiber link between Jena and Erfurt |
| Optical equipment | |
| Ultra-low noise erbium fiber laser | 1550 ad 1560 nm laser required for interferometric applications (phase noise –105 dB(Rad/sqrt(Hz)/m) at 1 Hz), including fast wavelegth modulation at 20 kHz |
| Ultra low noise optical frequency comb | Optical frequency comb, optionally locked on rubidium reference. Accuracy 1E-17 (Tau >100s), stability 1E-16 in 1s, 1E-18 in 1000s, integrated phase noise <100 mrad (100 Hz – 2 MHz) |
| Variable optical delay lines | Delay lines with integrated piezo mirrors for phase tuning, precision < 1 ps and range up to 1 ns. |
| Imbalanced interferometer | Interferometer for decoding the time-phase quantum state with integrated piezo mirror for phase tuning. Precision < 1 ps, imbalance up to 1 ns. |
| Electro-optical and electrical equipment | |
| Nanowire single photon detectors | Measure photons with 95% detection efficiency at 1550 nm and ultra-high timing precision (< 15 ps, RMS) |
| Time taggers | Measure the arrival time of the photons with high precision (<3 ps RMS) |
| GPS-disciplined atomic reference | Clock based on rubidium vapor cell with short term stability < 3E-12 at 1s, <3E-12 at 10 s and <1E-12 at 100 s. Aging < 3E-11 / month |
| High speed electro optical modulators (EOM) | Modulators at 800 and 1550 nm with speed of up to 40 GHz. Amplitude modulators with extinction ratio of up to 40 dB. Phase modulators with Vpi of as low as 3.5 V. |
| Broadband high speed electrical amplifiers | Amplifiers to address EOMs with ultra-short pulses with sufficient amplitude. Bandwidth of at least 25 GHz. Typical gain of 29 dB. |
| Arbitrary waveform generators (AWG) | AWGs for prototyping. Timing resolution <10 ps, bandwidth 16 GHz, sampling rate 50 GS/s, 2 GSample memory |
| Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA) | Zynq™ UltraScale+™ RFSoC ZCU216 Evaluation Kit |
| High-speed real time oscilloscopes | Bandwidth 16 GHz, trigger jitter 10 fs, Up to 100 GS/s sampling, noise 0.71% of full scale at 50 mV/div |
| High-speed fiber optic receivers | Characterizing low-level optical signal at 800-1650 nm, rise time 32 ps, single-mode, conversion gain 800 V/W |
Our Research Strength
Notable Patents and Further Information
Patent:
EP4199412A1, Method for All-Optical Passive Decoy-State Quantum Key Distribution, Steinlechner et al.
Projects:
- Projekt MANTIS (BMFTR), Measurement-Device-independent QKD for critical infrastructur
- Projekt TwinkleStar (ESA), QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION SPACE-TO-FIBRE ARCHITECTURE BASED ON TWIN-FIELD PROTOCOL
- Projekt QUASI (ESA), DISTRIBUTED QUANTUM SENSING CONCEPT ENABLED BY SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
- Projekt SatQC (ESA), FEASIBILITY STUDY OF DISTRIBUTED QUANTUM COMPUTING ENABLED BY SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
- Projekt Qunet (BMFTR), Key experiment 3 (flight campaign), entanglement-based quantum key distribution from an aircraft
