Low size, weight and power quantum key distribution system for small form unmanned aerial vehicles
Low size, weight and power quantum key distribution system for small form unmanned aerial vehicles
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DOI：
10.1117/12.2507669
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发表时间：
2019-03
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通讯作者：
C. Quintana;P. Sibson;Gavin Erry;Y. Thueux;Edward Kingston;Tawfik Ismail;Grahame Faulkner;J. Kennard;K. Gebremicael;Caroline Clark;C. Erven;Sylvain Chuard;Malcolm Watson;J. Rarity;Dominic O’Brien
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作者：
C. Quintana;P. Sibson;Gavin Erry;Y. Thueux;Edward Kingston;Tawfik Ismail;Grahame Faulkner;J. Kennard;K. Gebremicael;Caroline Clark;C. Erven;Sylvain Chuard;Malcolm Watson;J. Rarity;Dominic O’Brien
近年来，敏感信息交换的安全性已成为一个重大课题。量子密钥分发（QKD）提供了一种高度安全的方法来在两个通信终端之间共享随机加密密钥。与传统的公共密码学方法相比，QKD的安全性依赖于量子力学的基础，而不是计算能力。这使得QKD无条件安全（如果正确实现），并被设想为下一代加密技术的主要组成部分。QKD已经在不同的环境中得到了成功的证明，例如光纤到光纤，自由空间地对地以及地对空通信。然而，尺寸、重量和功率（SWaP）限制已经阻止了先前的实现在小型机载平台（诸如无人机系统（UAS）和高空伪卫星（HAPS））上进行演示。Q-DOS项目旨在使用紧凑的尖端光子波导技术提供QKD模块，这将满足低SWaP航空航天要求。该模块使用1550 nm单光子实现BB84协议，并将演示无人机和地面站之间的安全高速光通信数据链路（约0.5 Gbps）。目标链路范围为1公里。机载通信模块，包括QKD终端、跟踪模块、传统通信系统、光学器件和控制电子器件，质量不得超过5公斤，功耗不得超过20 W。
The security of sensitive information exchange has become a major topic in recent years. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) provides a highly secure approach to share random encryption keys between two communication terminals. In contrast with traditional public cryptography methods, QKD security relies on the foundations of quantum mechanics and not on computational capabilities. This makes QKD unconditionally secure (if properly implemented) and it is envisaged as a main component in the next–generation cryptographic technology. QKD has already been successfully demonstrated in different contexts such as fibre-to- fibre, and free-space ground-toground as well as ground-to-air communications. However, Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) constraints have prevented previous implementations to be demonstrated on small form airborne platforms such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and High Altitude Pseudo-Satellites (HAPS). Project Q-DOS aims to deliver a QKD module using compact, cutting-edge photonic waveguide technology, which will allow low-SWaP aerospace requirements to be met. This module uses 1550 nm single photons to implement a BB84 protocol, and will enable the demonstration of a secure, high-speed optical communication data link (~0.5 Gbps) between a drone and a ground station. The targeted link range is 1 km. The airborne communications module, including the QKD terminal, tracking modules, traditional communications systems, optics and control electronics, must not exceed a mass of 5 kg and a power consumption of 20 W.