Academic participants:
Daniel Gottesman, Gilad Gour, Hoi-Kwong Lo, Alex Lvovsky, Michele Mosca, Barry Sanders.
Partners:
Communication Security Establishment, General Dynamics, Sun Microsystems.
We plan to develop a certification authority for commercial quantum cryptography apparatus. A full assessment of information security requires investment into quantum information technology, to determine its potential, its limitations, and its threats. The experimental effort will focus on quantum communication channels and novel quantum cryptosystems such as hybridizations of single photons and continuous variables.
There is a significant investment into next generation technologies such as developing improved light sources, quantum memory storage devices, detectors, and quantum computers, but there is currently a lack of focus on integrating these technologies into systems that are subjected to rigorous testing and certification. Our aim is to acquire or develop quantum information devices, integrate these devices into systems, and subject these systems to testing, in consultation with risk assessment and information assurance experts. Calgary’s Institute for Quantum Information Science will be developed as a certification authority for commercial quantum cryptography apparatus.
Aside from assessing existing quantum devices, we will develop our own quantum technology, including continuous variable alternatives for quantum key distribution, and other quantum cryptographic protocols such as quantum authentication (fingerprinting, digital signatures). The experimental effort will focus on quantum communication channels and novel quantum cryptosystems such as hybridizations of single photons and continuous variables. In addition to development and testing, basic research will also be undertaken into optical quantum state engineering, quantum state characterization, continuous variable entanglement, and quantum memory using atomic gases.
General Dynamics will devote resources to this activity by having one of their employee, Dr Mark Adcock to interact with QuantumWorks at its node in Calgary. Sun Microsystems will also collaborate through exchange of students.