SpeQtral is commercialising quantum communications to prepare the world for the quantum future. One of the immediate applications of quantum networks is the secure distribution of quantum bits to generate secret encryption keys at distant locations. The underlying quantum processes, namely the generation and detection of single photons and/or entangled photon-pairs are in principle well-understood. Sophisticated algorithms exist (and are routinely used at SpeQtral) that analyse the quantum correlations and distil a secret key. However, in space-to-ground quantum networks, rapid clock drifts and extremely lossy transmission channels add challenges to the well-established protocols.

The talent will work on SpeQtral’s QKD software stack and implement or improve one out of the many modules required for end-to-end key generation.