Grants and Contributions:

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Title:

“QUANTUM FREESPACE”: Squeezed Light Continuous Variable Quantum Free-Space Mobile Optical Data Links

Agreement Number:

1040942

Agreement Value:

$300,000.00

Agreement Date:

Mar 24, 2026 - Jul 30, 2029

Description:

Quantum networks work best when devices exchange quantum information directly without classical conversion. The Project will study free‑space quantum networking across fixed and mobile platforms. Current quantum‑secure links using low‑flux entangled photons have limited range and rate; a new method enabling secure links at all laser flux levels aims to extend both while preserving quantum information. Custom quantum transmitters and receivers emulating squeezed light will be developed, optimized, and tested across ground and ground‑to‑airborne links using NRC’s ARTEMIS facility. System performance & stability will be studied and atmospheric effects will be evaluated through scintillometry using the ARTEMIS beam path. Although 1550 nm links cannot penetrate cloud, distributed ground stations can maintain satellite connectivity through remote clear‑sky regions. Optiwave will contribute system modeling and a novel security method, uOttawa will model atmospheric effects and provide expert staff and students and NRC provides advanced quantum‑laser expertise.

Organization:

National Research Council Canada

Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:

Ottawa, Ontario, CA K1N 6N5

Reference Number:

172-2025-2026-Q4-1040942

Agreement Type:

Grant

Report Type:

Grants and Contributions

Recipient Business Number:

119278877

Recipient Type:

Academia

Recipient's Legal Name:

University of Ottawa

Federal Riding Name:

Ottawa--Vanier--Gloucester

Federal Riding Number:

35081

Program:

Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives

Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:

541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences