About the project
The objective of this project is to integrate quantum communication into emerging wireless networks, paving the way for a global quantum network in time for 6G.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) modulates its information onto the phase or amplitude of the electromagnetic wave. This enables quantum-secured applications such as banking and healthcare to be delivered using off-the-shelf wireless transceivers.
Nonetheless, the current wireless CV-QKD systems face two significant limitations: first of all, transmission distance is constrained by both atmospheric turbulence and the multipath effect in electromagnetic wave propagation; secondly, the generation rate of secret key is orders of magnitude lower than the classical communication data rate.
To mitigate these challenges, on one hand, 5G-compliant error correction codes will be designed for enhancing CV-QKD’s robustness against channel impairments. On the other hand, leveraging the principal waveform of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in 5G, the secret key rate is expected to increase with the number of OFDM subcarriers, thereby optimizing wireless spectrum access.
This project will provide you with a unique cross-disciplinary training. You and your supervisors will intensively collaborate with their industrial partners. One of the aims of this project is to inspire more Southampton students to get into quantum research.
