Feasibility study of handheld Quantum Key Distribution

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Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a cryptographic scheme which provides an unprecedented level of data security. Our project seeks to develop practical applications of QKD in securing short-range wireless communications between a terminal such as an ATM and a handheld device (e.g. mobile phone). Our consortium, Nokia R&D (UK) Ltd, Alpha Contract Engineering (ACE) and University of Oxford have identified the 3 main barriers to commercialisation, namely, the lack of low-cost optical wireless steering techniques, expensive and bulky optical assembly for quantum receivers and the lack of mass-manufacturable single photon detector (SPD) arrays on CMOS platform. A fast and precise optical steering device (University of Oxford) that directs single photons from a handheld device to a quantum receiver will be developed. QKD terminals will be fabricated using miniaturised and simplified optical assemblies (ACE, Nokia). Performances of SPD arrays on scalable CMOS platform will be studied (University of Oxford). Finally, a prototype wireless quantum link will be demonstrated.