Quantum Communications and Wavelength Division Multiplexing

Led by the University of York, the Quantum Communications Hub is a partnership of eight universities and numerous private sector companies http://www.quantumcommshub.net/ . The overall aim of the Hub is to develop a range of new, secure, quantum communications technologies. A PhD studentship, supported by EPSRC funding through York, is available to work on advanced quantum networking, in association with the company ID Quantique, the world leader in commercial quantum communication systems.

The student will participate in a large-scale project building a quantum secure, high speed (100Gb/s) data network between Cambridge and BT’s Research & Innovation cluster at Adastral Park, near Ipswich. This network will use Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for the sharing of secure keys and classical channels for encrypted data, combined using Wavelength Division Multiplexing. The student will investigate the relation and interactions between the quantum and data channels within the network. The work will include both experimental and modelling investigations. The student will join a team, that includes York, BT, and ID Quantique, as well as other Hub partners, including the University of Cambridge and the National Physical Laboratory. The main goals of the project are to research and demonstrate new quantum networking concepts, and to do so with a view of commercial possibilities.

Quantum expertise is not a prerequisite, as the project involves conventional high-speed data communications in addition to the quantum aspect. Some software-writing skills are required for the modelling work. The role will require strong interpersonal skills, as all of the activities will be essentially team-based, across various laboratories.