Micro-Integrated High-Performance Light Sources for Quantum Communication (MIHQU)

The collaborative project MIHQU is about quantum communication – an important building block for the future security of digital infrastructures in our society. In quantum communication, the exchange of cryptographic keys is based on fundamental physical laws, which means that security – in contrast to currently used encryption – remains inherently guaranteed, even in the event of attacks by novel, previously unknown algorithms or by powerful quantum computers.

The aim of the project is to miniaturise photon sources, simplify their operation and increase their resilience to external influences, while also establishing their reproducible industrial production. To achieve this, the researchers will adapt the source design and optimise the associated manufacturing processes. They also seek to significantly increase photon generation rates and ensure compatibility with so-called quantum memories.