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Quantum Communications Feasibility Tests over a UK-Ireland 224 km Undersea Link
Ben Amies-King1, Karolina P Schatz1, Haofan Duan1
1School of Physics, Engineering & Technology and York Centre for Quantum Technologies, Institute for Safe Autonomy, University of York, York YO10 5FT, UK.
Entropy (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 23, 2023
Summary
This study shows that a 224 km submarine optical fibre link between the UK and Ireland is suitable for quantum communications. The link can support future quantum internet applications by transmitting entangled photons.
Area of Science:
- Quantum communication
- Optical networking
- Quantum internet
Background:
- The quantum internet aims to utilize existing infrastructure for advanced applications.
- Submarine optical fibre links are key components for long-distance communication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of quantum communications over a real-world industrial submarine optical fibre link.
- To demonstrate the potential for international quantum communication between the UK and Ireland.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of phase drift in the optical fibre.
- Measurement of polarization stability.
- Analysis of entangled photon arrival times over a 224 km link.
Main Results:
- The 224 km submarine optical fibre link exhibits suitable characteristics for quantum communication.
- Phase drift, polarization stability, and photon arrival times were within acceptable parameters.
- Successful demonstration of quantum communication feasibility between the UK and Ireland.
Conclusions:
- The industrial submarine optical fibre link is a viable infrastructure for future quantum communications.
- This research paves the way for international quantum networking between the UK and Ireland.
- The findings support the integration of quantum technologies with existing telecommunication networks.
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