QuNET+BlueCert

Motivation

Today's information society is based on the secure transmission of personal data and the protection of sensitive (government) information from unauthorized access.  In this context, developments in the field of quantum communication are enabling immense technological progress on the one hand. On the other hand, future powerful quantum computers could break cryptographic algorithms that are considered secure today, thereby jeopardizing the security of information that needs to be protected in the long term. One technical solution to this threat is the process known as quantum key distribution (QKD), which is increasingly being brought to market maturity in industry. However, there are still a number of hurdles to overcome before this technology can be used in practice. One of these is the lack of certifiability of hardware systems that implement quantum key distribution.

Objectives and Approach

The aim of the project “Blueprint of a Certification Ecosystem for QKD Systems and Applications” (QuNET+BlueCert) is to research the technological foundations for testing, qualifying, and certifying components and systems for quantum communication solutions. To this end, methods, competencies, and test environments that are currently still lacking are being developed. The researchers are first analyzing existing national and international certification efforts in order to develop appropriate test procedures, qualified measuring instruments, and suitable evaluation metrics for the qualified testing of QKD devices. The research work will result in a blueprint for an exemplary test laboratory, which will support testing centers in the future with the certification and approval of QKD technology.

Innovations and Perspectives

By providing a blueprint of concepts and processes for an exemplary test laboratory, the necessary foundations for common standards in the approval and certification of components and systems for quantum communication are being formulated for the first time. The results of the project enable potential users and standardization bodies to transparently define the requirements for use. On the one hand, the project thus contributes to strengthening confidence in this novel technology and thus its acceptance among industrial manufacturers and users. On the other hand, the results enable German industry to test, qualify, and certify quantum communication technologies. Overall, the project paves the way for the commercial exploitation of QKD technology, which will play a key role in future high-security communication solutions.