Project Manager: Dr. Eng. Adrian Victor VEVERA – R4

General objectives of the project

OG1. The development of a basic infrastructure for the implementation and validation of communication technologies and quantum cryptography, which would allow the development of a quantum communication network at the national level.

OG2. Development of R&D and industrial competences at national level for successful participation in European activities/projects/initiatives (e.g. EuroQCI) for the development and setting up the quantum communication equipment/infrastructure/services at European level.

OG3. The development of supporting activities in the field of education (courses/higher education programs) in the field of communications and quantum cryptography to support the objectives of OG1 and OG2.

Project description:

The project aims to carry out the following activities:

1. Establishment of new facilities or the development of existing ones: QUANTEC activities will be carried out in an existing location that will be adapted to the technical and accessibility needs of future users. To reduce costs and risks, QUANTEC will encourage the use of CDC elements (commercially available components) as well as open-source software applications. The equipping of the laboratories to be established with equipment and apparatus will be done by prioritizing the equipment/infrastructure strictly necessary for the operationalization of QUANTEC in the shortest possible time. In this sense, the development of the following laboratories/centers is considered:
   • L1 – (Quantum Experiment) is a quantum optics laboratory intended both for fundamental research and for the design and realization of equipment and systems (TRL 1-3) for quantum communications, the priority being quantum security: quantum random number generation, cryptography quantum and quantum key distribution (QKD). This lab also includes its own data center for the development of software for controlling quantum devices and managing quantum cryptographic keys.
   • L2 – Laboratory for the integration of quantum communication systems to allow the installation and interconnection of individual equipment, including CDC, in a communication chain and the measurement of performance parameters. L2 is intended for TRL 4 level equipment and systems.
   • L3 – Laboratory for the development and implementation of the infrastructure necessary to participate in quantum and optical satellite communications programs (equipment for optical ground stations, quantum satellite communications, space-optical fiber communication interfaces) at TRL 4 level.
   • CDOC – Center for documentation and dissemination of competences in communications and quantum cryptography.
   • SL – Logistics support infrastructure: storage warehouse and workshop for third-party users; in-house maintenance and metrology facilities; Data Center and IT system for managing internal activities and the relationship with third parties (suppliers, users, etc.).

2. The development of "in house" solutions for QKD capabilities, at TRL 2-4 level and their validation by comparing the results obtained with state-of-the-art QKD devices.

3. Facilitating the development of national competences in the field of quantum communications through education/dissemination/promotion actions through:

• Dissemination and promotion activities of QUANTEC on a national level in: the academic/research environment in the industrial and IT environment, as well as at the level of state institutions and telecommunications operators.
• Dissemination of QUANTEC capabilities to the European Commission, especially to the EuroQCI initiative.

Estimated results

• Quantec Operational Center;
• "In-house" operational QKD solution;
• Dissemination of the performances and promotion of the Quantec Center on a national level in the academic/CDI and industrial environments;
• Promotion of the Quantec Center to the European Commission and especially to the EuroQCI initiative (ground and space segment).