An international team with the participation of Prof. Dr. Michael Kues from the Cluster of Excellence PhoenixD at Leibniz University Hannover has developed a new method for generating quantum-entangled photons in a spectral range of light that was previously inaccessible. Since spring 2019, Kues has been a professor at the Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT) at Leibniz Universität Hannover and is researching, within the PhoenixD Cluster of Excellence, the development of novel photonic quantum technologies exploiting micro- and nanophotonics approaches. Image: Sonja Smalian/PhoenixD

Quantum-entangled Photon Generation Would Make for More Secure Encryption

By Ruth Seeley On Mar 30, 2020

Until now, it has been only technically possible to implement encryption mechanisms with entangled photons in the near-infrared range of 700 to 1550 nanometers. However, these shorter wavelengths have disadvantages, especially in satellite-based communication: They are disturbed by light-absorbing gases in the atmosphere as well as the background radiation of the sun. With the existing technology, end-to-end encryption of transmitted data can only be guaranteed at night, but not on sunny and cloudy days.

A 15-member international team, led by Drs. Matteo Clerici from the University of Glasgow and Dr. Michael Kues from Leibniz University of Hannover, has developed a new method for generating quantum-entangled photons in a previously inaccessible spectral range of light.

Photon pairs entangled at a two-micrometre wavelength would be significantly less influenced by the solar background radiation. So-called transmission windows exist in the earth’s atmosphere, especially for wavelengths of two micrometers, so that the photons are less absorbed by the atmospheric gases, in turn allowing a more effective communication.

This discovery could make the encryption of satellite-based communications much more secure in the future.

In practice, entangled photons are used in encryption methods such as quantum key distribution to completely secure telecommunications between two partners against eavesdropping attempts. The research results are presented to the public for the first time in the current issue of Science Advances.

For their experiment, the researchers used a nonlinear crystal made of lithium niobate. They sent ultrashort light pulses from a laser into the crystal and a nonlinear interaction produced the entangled photon pairs with the new wavelength of 2.1 micrometres.

The research results published in the journal Science Advances describe the details of the experimental system and the verification of the entangled photon pairs: “The next crucial step will be to miniaturize this system by converting it into photonic integrated devices, making it suitable for mass production,” said Kues.

Source: Leibniz University Hannover

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