Insider Brief
- Creotech Quantum has signed a €2.33 million European Space Agency project to develop and demonstrate superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors for quantum key distribution ground stations and advanced optical communications.
- Creotech Quantum will lead the 24-month consortium effort, receiving €1.2 million for work including detector electronics and software, testing and product-development planning.
- The project aims to advance the detectors to Technology Readiness Level 5 for use in satellite-linked QKD and weak-signal optical communications, building on two earlier ESA proof-of-concept contracts.
PRESS RELEASE — Creotech Quantum S.A., a Warsaw Stock Exchange-listed company developing and commercializing quantum technologies, has signed an agreement to carry out a project for the European Space Agency (ESA) aimed at developing and demonstrating a new generation of single-photon detectors based on superconducting nanowire technology (SNSPD – Superconducting Nanowire Single Photon Detector). The solution will be used in ground-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) stations and advanced optical communication systems. The total value of the project is EUR 2.33 million, with the scope of work to be carried out by Creotech Quantum valued at EUR 1.2 million.
“Signing another project for the European Space Agency confirms our expertise in advanced quantum technologies and the growing position of Creotech Quantum within the European ecosystem in this sector. Single-photon detectors based on superconducting nanowire technology are one of the key components of future secure quantum communication systems and advanced data transmission. The HRQKD project will enable us to move to the next stage in the development of this technology – from proof-of-concept prototypes to a demonstrator with a technology readiness level that brings us significantly closer to commercialization and large-scale deployment, particularly in European programs such as IRIS2. We believe that the detector being developed will ultimately find applications as a critical component in the space, telecommunications and defence sectors, as well as in critical infrastructure,” says Dr. Anna Kamińska, CEO of Creotech Quantum S.A.
The project entitled “Single Photon Detector Based on Superconducting Nanowire (SNSPD) Technology for Laser Communication and Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Applications [HRQKD]” represents the next stage in the development of quantum detector technologies being developed by Creotech Quantum under contract with the ESA. As part of the project, prototypes of single-photon detectors with very high sensitivity will be designed, manufactured and demonstrated for use in the most demanding communication systems. They are an essential component for the development of optical ground stations for Quantum Key Distribution.
Creotech Quantum serves as the consortium leader and is responsible for key areas of project implementation, including the development of electronics and software components, conducting tests, and preparing the product development strategy. The project is expected to be implemented over a period of 24 months.
The project will enable the technology readiness level (TRL) of the solution being developed to be raised to TRL 5, which involves demonstrating the technology in an environment representative of its intended industrial applications. The HRQKD project follows two previous ESA contracts carried out by the Creotech Quantum team, under which proof-of-concept prototypes of SNSPDs were developed.
The SNSPDs being developed will primarily find applications in two strategic areas. The first is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) – a technology that enables the secure exchange of cryptographic keys. In this application, single-photon detectors are responsible, among other things, for receiving quantum signals at ground stations communicating with satellites.
The second area of application is optical communication, enabling the fast and efficient transmission of large volumes of data. This technology is of particular importance for future satellite systems, where higher bandwidth is required than can be provided by traditional radio-frequency systems. In this application, the detectors being developed will enable long-distance optical communication, where the expected signal is extremely weak, such as in communications with a lunar base or during missions to the more distant regions of the Solar System.
The development of quantum and optical communications is one of the priorities of the European space sector and cybersecurity. These technologies are supported, among others, through programs run by the ESA and the European Commission, such as EuroQCI, ARTES, SAGA and ScyLight. Of particular importance is the EuroQCI initiative, which aims to establish a European infrastructure for secure quantum communications encompassing both terrestrial networks and satellite links. The next stage in the development of this infrastructure will be implemented, among other initiatives, through the IRIS² program.
Successful completion of the project will enable Creotech Quantum to further develop its expertise in quantum technologies and lay the foundations for the commercialization of products intended for the space, defense and telecommunications sectors, as well as critical infrastructure.
