SK Telecom is embarking on the development of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system combining Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of the European Union (EU) 'Horizon Europe' project. This research focuses on verifying equipment miniaturization and deployment cost reduction by transitioning the existing quantum cryptography communication structure, which is centered on large optical equipment, to a chip-based model.

SK Telecom announced on the 9th that it is participating in Horizon Europe's project in the field of quantum cryptography communications. The project will run for the next three years and will be jointly carried out by research institutions and companies from Greece, Austria, Germany, and Korea.

This project aims to implement and demonstrate a 'QPIC-AI'-based QKD system. QKD is a technology that utilizes the properties of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute encryption keys between communicating parties, enabling the detection of intrusion through changes in quantum states in the event of an eavesdropping attempt.

Currently, QKD systems generally consist of individual devices for precision optical components such as single-photon light sources and interferometers. As a result, equipment size, construction costs, and operational stability in the face of external environmental changes have been pointed out as limiting factors for the expansion of adoption.

SK Telecom is developing technology that integrates optical components required for QKD into a chip-based structure using PIC technology and corrects changes in optical state caused by environmental variations, such as temperature and vibration, in real time using embedded AI.

The project is overseen by the National Centre for Scientific Research (NCSRD) of Greece. The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT), Germany's SinoGate UG, and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) are participating, while SK Telecom is responsible for developing the PIC-based QKD system and establishing and verifying the testbed.

This study also includes an analysis of the differences in quantum cryptography technology certification standards between Korea and Europe. Participating organizations plan to summarize the differences in national certification systems and utilize the findings for future international standardization discussions.

Ryu Tak-ki, Head of Network Technology at SK Telecom, said, “This project is an opportunity to verify a next-generation QKD system combining PIC and AI through international joint research,” adding, “We will utilize the research results to advance domestic quantum technology and expand global cooperation.”