Student Physics, Information Technology, Mathematics or similar (f/m/x) - Investigation of satellite-based quantum key distribution security

Location

Weßling | Germany

Job description

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Course paper / final thesis

Investigation of satellite-based quantum key distribution security with imperfect devices

satellite-based quantum key distribution over Europe

Starting date

1 April 2024

Duration of contract

6 months

Remuneration

up to German TVöD 5

Type of employment

Full-time (part-time possible)

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a technology to ensure the security of encryption systems in a future world, where quantum computers are readily available. Today, QKD use cases have been identified for government and industry, such as information technology, automotive and aerospace and research demonstrations have already been realized. In satellite-based QKD systems, satellites often act as transmitter nodes to generate and relay quantum keys over large distances on ground.   

As the demands on the commercialization and scalability of satellite-based quantum key distribution grow, the construction of robust transmitters using readily available hardware components has the potential to become a major part of the aerospace ecosystem.   

Each hardware component, however, introduces undesired and/or unknown imperfections, which could jeopardize the security of the whole system. An eavesdropper could use the imperfections to construct a side channel attack and gain information about the key. A careful analysis using the theoretical QKD security methods combined with domain-specific knowledge about the components is essential to guarantee the security promise of QKD.    One of the main components in satellite-based QKD implementations are digital-to-analog convertors (DAC). These devices are characterized, among others, by a finite resolution, which is an imperfection previously ignored in the security consideration.   

The objective of the advertised Master’s thesis is to provide an analysis for imperfect DACs in a satellite-based QKD scenario.  Your work consists of:

• research on the discretization effect of the finite resolution of the DAC on the security of satellite-based QKD systems
• analysis of the performance of satellite-based QKD systems with imperfect DACs
• comparison of the effect for different resolutions
• identification of necessary counter measures to mitigate the security risks
• application of the analysis to actual available devices on the market
• simulation of satellite-based QKD systems with imperfect DAC

• university degree in physics, mathematics, computer science, information technology or another technical or scientific degree relevant to the institute
• expertise in quantum physics, quantum key distribution, or the ability to acquire this expertise in a short period of time
• ability to apply and further develop theoretical concepts
• good programming skills e.g. in Python desirable
• fluency in written and spoken English
• ability to work independently as well as in a team-orientated and cooperative manner

Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalleled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life-balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (f/m/x). Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.

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