The University of Strathclyde and the National University of Singapore (NUS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on satellite quantum communications, to pave the way in which for elevated joint experiments between the establishments.
Under the settlement, the schools will coordinate in order that optical floor stations utilized by the establishments are in a position to obtain indicators from satellites operated by one another.
The MoU is designed to construct a global staff that shares a consensus on the vary of wavelengths utilized in quantum communications experiments from satellites. Frequency coordination efforts of this type are commonly carried out in standard communications.
Enhanced communication between the schools’ respective satellites and floor stations will strengthen partnerships in quantum analysis between the schools.
Dr Daniel Oi, Senior Lecturer in Strathclyde’s Department of Physics, mentioned: “This is a tremendous opportunity to demonstrate truly global communications secured through quantum means.”
Associate Professor Alexander Ling, a Principal Investigator on the Centre for Quantum Technologies (CQT) at NUS, mentioned: “Through this MoU, we will ensure that our respective satellites and ground stations can talk to each other so that we can do joint work on quantum communication.”
Previously, Dr Oi and Professor Ling collaborated to develop quantum entangled photon sources appropriate for satellites, to translate laboratory programs into miniaturised elements succesful of functioning beneath the cruel situations of launch and orbit, and to allow the event of house quantum applied sciences.
CubeSats, a typical kind of nanosatellite made of multiples of 10 cm × 10 cm × 10 cm cubic items, had been used for the fast improvement and testing of units and programs at a a lot sooner charge and decrease value than conventional house engineering programmes. The staff’s work culminated within the launch of the nanosatellite SpooQy-1 in 2019. This work has impressed related CubeSat house quantum know-how tasks worldwide.
A Quantum Technology Cluster is embedded within the Glasgow City Innovation District, an initiative pushed by Strathclyde together with Glasgow City Council, Scottish Enterprise, Entrepreneurial Scotland and Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. It is envisaged as a world place for quantum industrialisation, attracting firms to co-locate, speed up progress, enhance productiveness and entry world-class analysis know-how and expertise at Strathclyde.
The University of Strathclyde is the one educational establishment that has been a companion in all 4 EPSRC funded Quantum Technology Hubs in each phases of funding. The Hubs are in: Sensing and Timing; Quantum Enhanced Imaging; Quantum Computing and Simulation, and Quantum Communications Technologies.
Strathclyde leads, and CQT at NUS is a member of, the International Network in Space Quantum Technologies, which tackles the challenges of taking terrestrial quantum applied sciences into house. It is growing satellite-enabled quantum-secure communication, quantum sensing and timing, with purposes in combating local weather change, house climate forecasting, satellite navigation, extra-terrestrial surveying, elementary science and enabling a quantum web.