Sensing and Metrology
QPIC-AI - AI Enhanced Photonic Quantum Nodes for Secure Communications
Project description and objective
QPIC-AI (AI-Enhanced Photonic Quantum Nodes for Secure Communications) is a joint EU–Republic of Korea research initiative aimed at advancing secure quantum communications. The project addresses key barriers to the widespread deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), including environmental drift and the reliance on manual calibration, by developing autonomous and self-calibrating photonic quantum nodes.
The project will integrate lightweight artificial intelligence models into Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC)-based QKD systems deployed on FPGA platforms. By combining AI-assisted control with integrated photonics, QPIC-AI aims to maintain stable system performance under real-world conditions while reducing downtime and improving the reliability of secure quantum key exchange.
QPIC-AI will co-design thin-film lithium niobate transmitter and receiver PICs with integrated dynamic polarisation control and develop FPGA-based BB84 QKD prototypes. Embedded AI will enable predictive drift compensation and closed-loop control, with the resulting technologies validated in operational testbeds across Europe and the Republic of Korea.
The project will also contribute to international standardisation and certification activities while strengthening cooperation between the European and South Korean quantum ecosystems. Through shared testbeds, researcher exchanges and joint workshops, QPIC-AI aims to accelerate practical quantum-secure communication technologies and contribute to a sustainable international quantum communications ecosystem.