Real-Time Implementation of an Underwater Quantum Key Distribution System

Burak Kebapci, Gorkem Mutlu, Ibrahim Baglica, Anilcan Tosun, Sude Ergin, Vecdi Emre Levent, Murat Uysal, Pietro Paglierani, Konstantinos Pelekanakis, Roberto Petroccia, Joao Alves

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

As threats in the maritime domain diversify, securing data transmission becomes critical for underwater wireless networks designed for the surveillance of critical infrastructure and maritime border protection. This has sparked interest in underwater Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). In this paper, we present a real-time implementation of an underwater QKD system based on the BB84 protocol. The QKD unit is built on a hybrid computation system consisting of an FPGA and an on-board computer (OBC) interfaced with optical front-ends. A real-time photon counting module has been implemented on FPGA. The transmitter and receiver units are powered with external UPS and all system parameters can be monitored from the connected computers. The system is also equipped with a visible laser and an alignment indicator to validate successful manual alignment.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2022 6th Underwater Communications and Networking Conference, UComms 2022
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665474610
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
Event6th Underwater Communications and Networking Conference, UComms 2022 - Lerici, Italy
Duration: Aug 30 2022Sep 1 2022

Publication series

Name2022 6th Underwater Communications and Networking Conference, UComms 2022

Conference

Conference6th Underwater Communications and Networking Conference, UComms 2022
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityLerici
Period8/30/229/1/22

Keywords

  • BB84 protocol
  • Quantum key distribution
  • underwater communication

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Computer Networks and Communications
  • Signal Processing
  • Oceanography
  • Acoustics and Ultrasonics

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