Research Activities

Terrestrial and Space QKD Networks

Our research focuses on the deployment, integration, and scaling of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) infrastructures across both ground and satellite-based networks. We are actively working to establish secure, nationwide quantum baselines and validate multi-node setups in real-world scenarios.

ATHENS QCIDAYS Demo: Practical demonstration and evaluation of multi-tenant, terrestrial QKD networking capabilities.
ECOC 2025 PETRUS Large-Scale Demo: Contributed to the major, multi-nation PETRUS (EuroQCI Coordination and Support Action) demonstration at ECOC 2025 in Copenhagen. Our team showcased a live, mini-EuroQCI quantum communication network, achieving critical inter-domain connectivity across multiple EU countries by seamlessly bridging terrestrial fiber networks with simulated space-to-ground satellite links.
National & Regional Space-Ground Integration: Working closely with major infrastructure partners like GRNET (via HellasQCI) to integrate local critical nodes with European satellite missions (such as EAGLE-1), deploying interoperable Optical Ground Stations (OGS) to secure cross-border communication.

Mobile Edge QKD & Access QKD Networks

We are extending quantum security from core architectures to the network edge, ensuring last-mile delivery and mobile edge protection using diverse physical layers.

QKD over Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH): Implementation and testing of QKD channels over commercial telecom provider networks, specifically demonstrated over COSMOTE FTTH infrastructures.
Free-Space Optics (FSO) Links: Designing and benchmarking short-to-medium-range urban quantum channels, highlighted by a 800m FSO link.
Ecosystem Collaborations: Actively contributing to specialized edge-security projects including LAIQA and QSNP.

Advanced Dynamic Quantum Networks with Enhanced Resilience

To transition from static point-to-point links to dynamic, self-healing quantum layers, this research theme focuses on integrating automated hardware routing with next-generation cryptographic protection.

PUF-Enhanced QKD Authentication: Utilizing Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs) to securely authenticate network nodes and secure the classical control channel.
Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) Integration: Creating hybrid security layers by blending quantum physics (QKD) with quantum-resistant mathematics (PQC) for defense-in-depth.
Dynamic Switched-QKD Networks: Implementing optical MEMS switches and Ethernet frameworks for agile, automated topology management.
Automated Network Resilience: Validating automated topology shifting and multi-vendor key management systems to safeguard high-availability networks against physical compromises.

Entanglement-based Quantum Communication

Moving beyond traditional prepare-and-measure protocols, our research delves into advanced entanglement-based quantum communication architectures. Armed with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure—including high-efficiency Superconducting Nanowire Single-Photon Detectors (SNSPDs) and high-rate entanglement photon sources—we are pushing the boundaries of fundamentally secure quantum networking.

Entanglement-Based QKD Implementation: We are actively developing and deploying entanglement-based QKD protocols (such as BBM92 or device-independent frameworks) to eliminate detector-side vulnerabilities and provide the highest tier of physics-backed cryptographic security.
Future Roadmap (Interconnection of Quantum Computers): Our long-term vision looks past key distribution toward the foundations of the Quantum Internet. We are laying the groundwork for distributing high-fidelity entanglement across nodes to eventually enable the scalable interconnection of distributed Quantum Computers, quantum sensing arrays, and quantum cloud architectures.

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