Drone and vehicle-based quantum communication and towards practical quantum position verification

Quantum networks offer the ability to interface quantum computers, provide secure communication, and link quantum sensors. While existing fiber-based quantum networks provide these benefits for fixed infrastructure including offices, labs, and homes, there exist a need to provide quantum advantages for platforms ``on-the-go" such as drones, vehicles, planes, ships, and space-based platforms. However, implementing quantum systems on mobile platforms is challenging since there is limited Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) available. Additionally, environmental disturbances such as platform vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and ambient light further degrade performance of quantum systems. We designed and developed a modular quantum transmitter and receiver which is platform-agnostic, allowing rapid reconfiguration between multiple platforms such as drones and cars. Our system allows free-space quantum communication between moving platforms operating outside of the lab. Specifically, we use our free-space quantum link between mobile platforms to successfully perform a first-of-its-kind demonstration of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), in multiple configurations: drone-to-drone, drone-to-car, and car-to-car. We achieved a Secure Key in the finite-regime for all these link configurations. Moreover, our system is also the first demonstration of a quantum communication link of any kind between a drone-to-car, and car-to-car on any road including operation at 70 mph on a U.S. Interstate Highway. Additionally, we designed a modular system to perform entanglement distribution using mobile platforms and developed a practical Quantum Position Verification (QPV) protocol. Finally, we introduce and analyze a new type of interferometer for swapping indistinguishable particles, called a Particle Swapping Interferometer (PSI), capable of generating two-photon interference and providing an intuitive perspective of non-locality and quantum interpretations.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Electrical & Computer Engr

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2024

Author dc:creator

• Conrad, Andrew Phillip

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kwiat, Paul
• Chitambar, Eric
• Choquette, Kent
• Bogdanov, Simeon

• Quantum Key Distribution (qkd)
• Quantum Position Verification (qpv)
• Drone
• Vehicle

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2024 Andrew Conrad

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127498

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F127498