Quantum key distribution (QKD) is identified as a cryptographic technique that solves the security problem of key distribution between two distant parties, guaranteed by the fundamental laws of physics.  For this QKD to be practically implemented, high-performance, compact and cost-effective QKD modules are required since current information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructures will not change to accommodate quantum network functionalities, and powerful non-expensive components are needed for novel quantum applications.    

To this end, the EU Horizon 2020 three-year project 'UNIQORN' focuses on the development of these key components and systems for quantum communications.  UNIQORN includes 17 European partners co-ordinated by Austria Institute of Technology (AIT).  The other partners are Universitaet Paderborn, Danmarks Tekniske Universitet (DTU), Smart Photonics, Universitat Wien, Mellanox Technologies Ltd., Fraunhofer Gesellschaft Zur (HHI), National technical University of Athens, Universitaet Innsbruck, Micro Photon Devices S.r.l, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, VPIphotonics, Politecnico Di Milano, COSMOTE, Interuniversitair Microelectronica Centrum, and Cordon Electronics Italia.

As a UNIQORN partner, the High Performance Networks (HPN) Group at the University of Bristol is involved in several work packages (WPs), and leads WP7 for the performance evaluation of UNIQORN technology in lab and field.  UNIQORN leverages the deployed infrastructure in Bristol linking to a state-of-the-art 5G City Testbed (operated by HPN), as well as HPN connectivity to the national dark fibre.  Quantum-aware Software Defined Networking (SDN) will be developed and implemented by the HPN Group to support the UNIQORN activities of validation of quantum subsystems and systems in deployed network infrastructures.  Other partners of UNIQORN will concentrate their efforts on System-on-chip integration for miniaturised quantum systems.  This trans-disciplinary approach of UNIQORN will bring together Bristol’s HPN Group with leading European players from quantum optics and photonics, enabling to move from lab science to field deployment and bridge the quantum divide between large (governmental) and small (residential) end-users.