Embedded Quantum Technologies for Information Protection (EQUIP)

The quantum theory elaborated in the 20th century revolutionised the way we describe the world at the atomic scale. It told us that phenomena and measurements made on single particles can be completely unpredictable. Recently it has been realised that these effects could be very useful for generating the random numbers and secret keys that are needed in the cryptographic applications that protect IT systems and networks. This project is developing chip-based technologies for generating random numbers and keys and integrating them into demonstrator systems for secure communications. As these devices can be manufactured cheaply in large numbers, it will allow us to take these innovative new quantum technologies out of the lab and into everyday life.