The Technology Innovation Institute (TII), a prominent global scientific research center and the applied research branch of Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), has announced the inauguration of the Abu Dhabi Quantum Optical Ground Station (ADQOGS). This cutting-edge facility, the largest in the MENA region and the first of its kind in the Arab world, is dedicated to the advancement of secure free-space optical communications.
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The station primarily aims to seamlessly integrate Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE into the global Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) network. QKD is a mature quantum communications technology that enables the establishment of secure and private communication channels by utilizing quantum signals to generate tamper-resistant encryption keys.
Although existing optical fiber infrastructure can support metropolitan QKD networks spanning distances of less than a hundred kilometers, the significant signal loss in long-distance fiber connections makes it impractical to create global-scale fiber-based quantum networks. To overcome this challenge, the most viable solution currently involves utilizing free-space optical transmission between satellites and ground-based receivers.
Ensuring regional connectivity
The ADQOGS plays a pivotal role in ensuring regional connectivity by serving as a master station that provides ultra-secure key material, thereby future-proofing secure networking in the UAE. This announcement showcases TII’s ability to collaborate with the global research community. It builds upon existing partnerships, such as its collaboration with the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Quantum Technologies.
Automated dome and tracking telescope
Situated at Al Sadeem Observatory in Al Wathba, the facility spans an area of 2,363 square meters and features a fully automated astronomical dome housing an 800mm diameter tracking telescope. It also includes a control room for operational oversight and a sophisticated weather station for monitoring the sky and estimating scintillation. In addition, a secondary platform will be available to accommodate local and international portable optical ground stations, fostering collaboration within the sector.
Versatile Quantum Acquisition and Tracking system
At the core of the facility, the ADQOGS is equipped with a versatile Quantum Acquisition and Tracking system developed by TII. This fully automated quantum receiver module can also detect quantum signals within the 760 nm to 860 nm wavelength range. Moreover, its unique optical system design ensures compatibility with a wide range of uplink and downlink beacons, supporting high throughput optical modulation schemes spanning from 680 nm to 1,600 nm.
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