Drone and vehicle-based quantum communication and towards practical quantum position verification
Conrad, Andrew Phillip
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/127498
Description
Title
Drone and vehicle-based quantum communication and towards practical quantum position verification
Author(s)
Conrad, Andrew Phillip
Issue Date
2024-12-06
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Kwiat, Paul
Doctoral Committee Chair(s)
Chitambar, Eric
Committee Member(s)
Choquette, Kent
Bogdanov, Simeon
Department of Study
Electrical & Computer Eng
Discipline
Electrical & Computer Engr
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Quantum Key Distribution (qkd)
Quantum Position Verification (qpv)
Drone
Vehicle
Language
eng
Abstract
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.
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