Quantum networks are still in their infancy, even though quantum communication offers unparalleled advantages over classical communication. Quantum cryptography in particular offers security that is guaranteed by the laws of physics – at least on paper! In this project, Stephanie Wehner will be developing a theoretical framework to take quantum cryptographic security from paper to real world quantum devices.

To accomplish this, she will investigate new cryptographic building blocks that are directly inspired by and adapted to simple and imperfect quantum devices. Such building blocks can then be stacked together to build complex quantum cryptographic protocols in a quantum network.

Furthermore, she will be developing new procedures to test unknown quantum devices so they can safely be used in quantum protocols. This research will lay the foundations for the safe experimental implementation of general quantum cryptographic protocols in a quantum network.