The Quantum Communications Research Group performs research in the area of quantum communications, specifically Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
QKD leverages the laws of quantum mechanics to enable information-theoretic security whereby encrypted data cannot be accessed by unintended recipients, regardless of the amount of computation power and time available at their disposal. This is possible because any attempts to intercept the key used to encrypt data can be detected, following which the key can be discarded and a new one generated between the two communicating parties. QKD will be necessary once cryptographically-relevant quantum computers become available, which will be able to crack current encryption schemes within a feasible amount of time.
UM is involved in a number of projects where a number of institutions are involved, spanning academia, research, and industry:
- QUANGO: Designing and prototyping key elements of a satellite mission delivering QKD and Internet of Things (IoT) services.
- QUDICE: Continuing from the work done in QUANGO, QUDICE aims to create and develop components and subsystems for a space-based satellite QKD communication network.
- QSNP: A European Quantum Flagship project involving the development of quantum cryptography technology to secure the transmission of information over the internet.
- PRISM: Aims to deploy a large-scale quantum network in Malta, spanning the entire country as part of the EuroQCI initiative.
- ANQuOR: Exploration and demonstration of future European military quantum communications capabilities with quantum technology.
- SQUIRE: Aims to develop more efficient error correction codes for embedded devices, especially for a class of QKD protocols known as Continuous Variable (CV) QKD requiring large block sizes, hindering real-time operation on standard hardware.
In these projects, UM focuses on the following areas of research and development:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
- Error correction (e.g. LDPC)
- Communication simulation software
- Security analysis and security proofs
The team is comprised of several academics and researchers, as follows:
Academics
Prof. Johann A Briffa (Principal Investigator)
Prof. André Xuereb
Dr Ing. Trevor Spiteri
Researchers
Post-Docs
Dr Ing. Christian Galea
Dr Roberto Benjamin Salazar Vargas
PhD Students
Mr Aaron Abela
Mr Ryan Debono
Research Support Officers and Research Support Assistants
Mr Mark Mizzi
