Revolutionising Cybersecurity with Quantum Ring Single-Photon LEDs
Aims
To develop Quantum Ring Single-Photon LEDs (QR SPLEDs) to advance secure communications across various industries.
Overview
Project Lead, Gizem Acar, explains:
“This project is all about creating a new kind of LED called Quantum Ring Single-Photon LEDs, or QR SPLEDs for short. These tiny devices are set to change how we think about secure communications, especially in areas like telecoms, defence, and data centres.
What makes QR SPLEDs special is their ability to emit single photons—essentially the smallest unit of light—at a specific wavelength used in current fibre-optic networks. This makes them perfect for something called quantum key distribution (QKD), a super-secure way to encrypt data that’s practically impossible to hack. Unlike existing systems that are bulky, expensive, and need to be kept really cold, our QR SPLEDs are compact, can be produced at a low cost, and work efficiently at room temperature. This not only reduces costs but also makes them much easier to integrate into existing setups.
With cyber threats becoming more advanced every day, QR SPLEDs offer a timely, cost-effective solution that could significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks.”
This project is part of NW CyberCom.
NW CyberCom is a £1.2 million project aiming to unlock the cyber security potential of the North West. Led by Lancaster University, the project sees six partner universities capture the latest cyber security innovations, working with entrepreneurs, investors, government and businesses to transform cutting-edge knowledge into new products, services and policy. The primary goal is to strengthen protection for consumers, businesses, and UK infrastructure.
Results and Outcomes
Tab Content: For Partners and Engagement
QR SPLEDs have the potential to make a significant impact in secure communications by addressing a critical need for cost-effective and scalable quantum encryption solutions.
Industry stakeholders were engaged through the Innovate UK ICURe Explore Future Telecoms programme, which provided valuable feedback and insights.
This programme helped to validate the technology's market potential, enabling quick adjustments based on direct input from potential users. The partners, especially in finance and government sectors, have shown great interest in QR SPLEDs due to their ability to seamlessly integrate into existing networks and enhance data security without requiring significant infrastructure changes. By focusing on practical applications and real-world needs, the project has not only met but exceeded initial expectations, positioning QR SPLEDs as a frontrunner in quantum-secure communications.
Moving forward, the aim is to continue refining the prototype and scale up production, confident that the technology will play a key role in the future of secure data transmission.
Tab Content: For Academics
Learning from the process:
Throughout the project, collaboration has been key. Working closely with experts from various fields, such as quantum technology and cybersecurity, allowed the team to approach challenges from multiple angles, leading to innovative solutions. One of the main takeaways is the importance of early and continuous engagement with industry stakeholders. Their input has been invaluable in shaping the direction of the research and ensuring that the technology is aligned with real-world needs. Additionally, the support from programmes like Innovate UK ICURe has been instrumental in navigating the commercialization process, providing the team with the tools and guidance to move from concept to market-ready product efficiently.
Project Lead, Gizem Acar said: “If I were to offer advice to colleagues, it would be to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration and actively seek out opportunities for industry engagement early in the research process. This not only helps in refining the technology but also significantly increases its chances of successful adoption in the market.
The NWCybercom programme has been instrumental in funding my idea to the proof-of-concept stage. I'm truly excited about the potential of QR SPLEDs. After meeting with Lancaster’s Innovator in Residence, appointed through the NWCybercom project, I feel more confident about achieving the right market fit for my product. With their extensive experience as the founder of two successful businesses, the Innovator in Residence offers invaluable commercial insight grounded in real-world experience. It's clear that their input will significantly enhance the commercial viability of my product.”
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