| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/S05762/01 |
| Title: |
Quantum Light Emitting Diode for Secure Comms |
| Principal Investigator: |
Murray, Professor R |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Physics |
| Organisation: |
Imperial College London |
| Scheme: |
LINK |
| Starts: |
24 February 2003 |
Ends: |
23 August 2006 |
Value (£): |
256,761
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
Optoelect. Devices & Circuits |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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There is an increasing requirement for secure communications systems. Quantum cryptography based on single photon communications can be used to distribute a cryptographic key, the secrecy of which is independent of the resources available to an eavesdropper. However the multiphoton pulses inevitably produced by a laser diode could pose a security threat and to realise unconditional secrecy it is crucial to develop a single photon source at wavelengths where optical fibre attenuation is low. A very promising method utilises the unique properties of quantum dots (QDs). It has been shown by us and others that emission at 1300nm is possible and our collaborators at CRL and the University of Cambridge have demonstrated an electrically driven single photon source operating around 900 rim. This proposal seeks to marry the expertise of all three groups to fabricate an electrically driven single photon source operating at 1300 nm based on QDs. In order to increase the photon extraction efficiency the QDs will be embedded in an optical microcavity. Another important development of the original device will be to spatially locate the QDs within the diode obviating the need for metalmasks. Finally the programme will use the single photon source in an optical fibre system and demonstrate a prototype quantum key distribution system that guarantees unconditional secrecy
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.imperial.ac.uk |