New quantum project to enhance secure timing

Defence’s Science and Technology Group (DSTG) is leading sovereign quantum research to enhance secure timing technologies and provide unique operational advantage to the ADF. This ground-breaking project will enhance the ADF ability to operate in contested environments when Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are degraded or denied, said Defence in a statement.

The Australian research project aims to create and deliver one of the most challenging components of a quantum-secured timing network, a ground-to-satellite optical quantum link, it adds. Establishing a direct link between the ground and a satellite allows for the robust, secure and precise synchronisation of timing between Defence assets across a battlespace.

DSTG has been researching alternative technologies to allow Defence to operate more securely in contested battlefields when GPS is degraded or denied. DSTG Quantum technologist Dr Ben Sparkes explained that one such technology is Quantum-Secured Time-Transfer (QSTT) – a signal that is impossible to spoof, due to the laws of quantum mechanics, and is very difficult to jam or even detect.

“QSTT uses a pair of entangled photons, or single particles of light, which is transmitted over an optical link to create a shared timing signal,” Dr Sparkes said. An optical link is a telecommunications link that uses light signals to transmit data, audio or video.

The new DSTG research project uses QSTT to create and deliver one of the hardest components of a quantum-secure timing network: the ground-to-satellite optical quantum link.

“Establishing a link directly between the ground and a satellite is a key step towards allowing for the robust, secure and precise synchronisation of timing between Defence assets across a battlespace,” Dr Sparkes said. “The optical quantum link will also provide literally pin-point precision of relative force position due to the 1000-fold improvement in timing performance of QSTT over GPS.”

“Quantum technology presents unique opportunities for Defence, and we continue to leverage these emerging disruptive technologies to provide a capability edge for our soldiers, sailors and aircrew, said Professor Tanya Monro AC, Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist.

“This collaboration means we are not only contributing to Australia’s Innovation, Science and Technology ecosystem, but also providing a clear pathway from concept to capability for the technology,” she added.

Funded by the Australian Army, this project will deliver the two key components to demonstrate a ground-to-satellite quantum link: optical ground stations and quantum light sources. DSTG is partnering with researchers from CSIRO, the Australian National University and the University of Western Australia to deliver these technologies.

Quantum technology is one of six Innovation, Science and Technology (IS&T) priorities identified in the NDS and Defence’s IS&T Strategy, “Accelerating Asymmetric Advantage – Delivering more, together”.