| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T09392/01 |
| Title: |
Quantum Cryptography Using Quantum Dot Single Photon Emitters |
| Principal Investigator: |
Buller, Professor G |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering and Physical Science |
| Organisation: |
Heriot-Watt University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
19 July 2004 |
Ends: |
18 January 2008 |
Value (£): |
215,087
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
Materials Processing |
| Materials Synthesis & Growth |
Optical Communications |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Communications |
Electronics |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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We propose to construct and test prototype quantum cryptography (QC) systems based on individual semiconductor quantum dots as efficient, solid state sources of single photons. Such sources will permit much higher key exchange rates (by a factor of -100) and longer transmission distances (by up to a factor of 2) than present attenuated laser sources, and have the potential to be decisive in the practical implementation of QC systems. In order to achieve this important goal we combine the expertise of two groups at the universities of Heriot-Watt and Sheffield, experts in their respective fields of quantum cryptography and of self assembled quantum dots. Quantum dots are nearly ideal non-classical, solid state sources of single photons with high repetition rates and very high internal quantum efficiencies. They are also compatible with advanced processing techniques which permit high light extraction, a key factor in obtaining high efficiency sources. Single photon sources emit precisely one photon per pulse at a given wavelength and have major advantages for QC systems over attenuated laser sources; these must be restricted to very low light levels to ensure resistance to eaves-dropping strategies. As well as the application to quantum key distribution, the single photon sources resulting from this proposal will have additional significance for application in quantum computation schemes using single photons and also in the implementation of quantum logic gates.
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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.hw.ac.uk |