London, 3rd October 2024: Innovate UK’s £1.5 million MARCONI project is set to transform the landscape of quantum key distribution (QKD) by developing and demonstrating high-fidelity, modular, and scalable receiver modules. QKD is a secure communication method that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute cryptographic keys between two parties, ensuring that any attempt at eavesdropping can be detected.

The project aims to introduce two new OEM QKD receivers based on different technologies, which are interchangeable at the optical connection point. These receivers will be constructed using UK components, ensuring a robust domestic supply chain for critical quantum networking technologies.

For smaller setups and short-distance communications, a four-channel single photon avalanche detector (SPAD) system will feature Noiseless InGaAs technology from Phlux Technology, packaged by Bay Photonics. For larger, long-distance applications, a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD) system will be employed, incorporating enhanced SNSPDs from the University of Glasgow, cooled by a novel 1K system from Chase Cryogenics, and coupled with a new compact timetagger from Redwave Labs. Redwave Labs will optimise the control electronics and timetaggers for both systems, which will be coupled with an optical receiver module from the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP).

The University of Cambridge will showcase these receivers in entanglement-based discrete variable-QKD transmission across both metro and long-haul networks, using the BBM92 protocol. This demonstration will highlight the scalability and performance of the MARCONI receivers.

The MARCONI project addresses two critical needs: establishing a UK-led supply chain for quantum networking components and enhancing the scalability of quantum networks. The project targets the rapidly growing QKD market, forecasted to reach approximately $5 billion by 2028. By developing high-performance OEM receiver modules for both small and large installations, MARCONI aims to disrupt the market and reduce reliance on single-source suppliers.

MARCONI’s innovations promise significant economic and security advantages, including job creation and safeguarding within the UK supply chain, enhanced national security through the adoption of more secure QKD systems, reduced import dependency for high-performance photonics systems, and boosting the reputation and impact of the UK photonics industry. Redwave Labs, the system integrator, will lead the commercialisation efforts. The project is expected to generate substantial revenue and growth opportunities for all consortium partners.

Backed by funding from Innovate UK under the Scalable Quantum Network Technologies: Collaborative R&D programme, the MARCONI initiative not only strengthens the UK’s position in addressing the challenge of bringing scalable quantum network technologies to market but also enhances national security and economic growth.

The MARCONI project is a collaborative effort involving leading UK institutions and companies, including Phlux Technology, Bay Photonics, the University of Glasgow, Chase Cryogenics, Redwave Labs, Fraunhofer CAP and the University of Cambridge. The project is supported by a Strategic Advisory Board comprising industry leaders and end-users from the UK and Europe.

Phlux Technology designs, manufactures and markets 1550 nm infrared (IR) sensors that are 12x more sensitive than alternatives. As a result, Phlux’s Noiseless InGaAs™ Avalanche Photodiodes (APD) detect signals at up to 50% greater distance in range finders, LiDAR systems, and optical fibre test equipment. In every application, Phlux sensors boost performance, simplify thermal management, and cut system cost and size through relaxing laser and optics requirements. The sensors are available as bare die or in industry-standard surface-mount or wire-ended packages, so can be retrofitted to existing systems. The technology is cost-competitive for mass-market adoption.

Bay Photonics is a leading provider of advanced photonic packaging solutions. They specialise in the development and manufacturing of robust, fibre-coupled packages for photonic components, ensuring high performance and reliability in various applications.

Chase Cryogenics is a cutting-edge company focused on the development of advanced cryogenic systems. Their expertise in low-temperature cooling technologies is critical for the performance of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) used in quantum communication systems.

Redwave Labs is a renowned SME founded 20 years ago with experience in designing and manufacturing control systems for spectroscopy and quantum technologies. They are the system integrator for the MARCONI project, leading the commercialisation of the innovative QKD receiver modules.

The University of Cambridge is a pioneer in the UK’s quantum technology landscape and a key member of the UK’s Quantum Communications Hub. Their role in the MARCONI project is to demonstrate QKD receivers through the Cambridge Quantum Network and the National Dark Fibre Facility.

The Quantum Sensors Group in the James Watt School of Engineering and Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre at the University of Glasgow is pioneering the development of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) for quantum key distribution (QKD). They will fabricate the SNSPD arrays for the MARCONI project using the state-of-the-art facilities of the James Watt Nanofabrication Centre.

The Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) is a leading research institution specialising in photonics and quantum technologies. As part of the Fraunhofer Society, CAP is committed to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting the growth of the photonics industry.