University of Ottawa

Purpose

Quantum networks work best when devices exchange quantum information directly without classical conversion. The Project will study free‑space quantum networking across fixed and mobile platforms. Current quantum‑secure links using low‑flux entangled photons have limited range and rate; a new method enabling secure links at all laser flux levels aims to extend both while preserving quantum information. Custom quantum transmitters and receivers emulating squeezed light will be developed, optimized, and tested across ground and ground‑to‑airborne links using NRC’s ARTEMIS facility. System performance & stability will be studied and atmospheric effects will be evaluated through scintillometry using the ARTEMIS beam path. Although 1550 nm links cannot penetrate cloud, distributed ground stations can maintain satellite connectivity through remote clear‑sky regions. Optiwave will contribute system modeling and a novel security method, uOttawa will model atmospheric effects and provide expert staff and students and NRC provides advanced quantum‑laser expertise.