Wireless mobile communication has continually evolved towards higher data rates, with 5G expanding its scope to include massive and ultra-reliable low-latency links. The underlying quest in the wireless evolution has been to solve the technical problem of reliable data exchange between two end-points. 6G-GOALS will take the wireless system design to its next stage by considering the significance, relevance, and value of the transmitted data, transforming the potential of the emerging AI/ML-based architectures into a semantic and goal-oriented communication paradigm. Two trends corroborate the timeliness of 6G-GOALS: (1) the burden on wireless networks by data flows with low semantic content or relevance for the end goal; (2) the increased AI capability of network nodes and devices to extract ‘meaning’ and intention from unreliable data flows. These trends underpin the two main objectives of 6G-GOALS: (1) to reduce data traffic by conveying only the most relevant information; (2) to design data-efficient, robust, and resilient protocols that can adapt to network conditions and communication objectives using modern AI/ML techniques. The research breakthroughs and innovation of 6G-GOALS are three-fold: First, 6G-GOALS will develop AI/ML-empowered semantic data representation, sensing, and compression algorithms combining data-and-model-driven approaches, and work towards exploiting untapped gains from AI-based joint source channel coding. Second, 6G-GOALS will introduce semantic-oriented solutions for supporting distributed reasoning and time-sensitive communication, generalizing low- latency of 5G by tailoring communication to the actual goal. Finally, 6G-GOALS will introduce wireless technologies for sustainability in energy efficiency, EMF exposure, and spectrum management, by defining the concept of semantic cognitive radio.

Data is fast becoming the underlying driver of the global economy. Securing the transmission of data as it is routed around the world is therefore of utmost importance. Today we use classical cryptography protocols, such as RSA and AES, to secure a wide range of sensitive data including financial data, health records, commercial secrets, and sensitive governmental and defence information. However, this data is at threat from attacks by quantum computers. As the resource of quantum computers grows, their ability to break traditional cryptographic protocols becomes ever more likely. Quantum cryptographic methods such as quantum key distribution (QKD) are, by nature, resistant to these attacks and they can secure our data now and into the future. A typical link between two users that is secured by QKD is serviced by fibre-optics and is limited in distance to approximately 175 km. This is because the inherent losses of fibre-optic cables means that above these distances there is too little signal to perform the QKD protocol. To overcome this limit, we can use free-space links, which can have much lower losses per unit distance. Recently, there has been a push toward performing QKD that is intermediated by satellites in low-Earth orbit. This type of satellite-to-ground QKD can break the distance limit and allow for secure communication between users separated by intercontinental distances. Current implementations of satellite QKD (SQKD) suffer from impracticalities arising from slow clock rates and the requirement of large telescopes to provide enough encryption material to service even a single ground node. In this project we will develop technology for high-rate SQKD and integrate this technology to ground networks enabling secure communication across the globe. The hardware and software developed will overcome current limitations by operating in real-time and at gigahertz (1 billion Hz) clock rates. Furthermore, software to share quantum keys between ground nodes serviced by SQKD will be developed to seamlessly secure data transfer around the world.

The quantum theory elaborated in the 20th century revolutionised the way we describe the world at the atomic scale. It told us that light is made up of particles (or “quanta”) called photons. Recently it has been realised that encoding information on individual photons could revolutionise current IT systems by creating properties that are otherwise impossible. For example it can allow fundamentally secure communication networks, imaging and ranging systems with resolution beyond that possible with ordinary light and ultra-powerful quantum computers. The key component for all these applications is a generator of individual photons. This project is developing sources of individual photons, as well as pairs of photons with ‘entangled’ properties. The photon source is based on a semiconductor device, similar to that found in LED lighting, traffic lights or TV remotes. As these sources can be manufactured cheaply in large numbers, it will allow us to take these exciting new quantum technologies out of the lab and into everyday life.

This project will develop novel range finding and 3D imaging systems which will be used for driver assistance and the autonomous vehicles of the future. The cameras are based on detecting single photons (light particles) in the infra-red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Depth information is gained by measuring the time of flight of the photons from the illuminating laser, to the object and back to the photon detector in the camera with sub-nanosecond precision. By detecting single photons, the faintest possible light signals, we will realise cameras that can 'see' further than the 3D cameras available today.

Quantum communications provides a way to guarantee security of encrypted data transmissions across networks, based on fundamental physical laws. Unlike conventional cryptography, quantum communications are immune to future advances in computing power and mathematics, making quantum communication networks an important part of keeping our most precious and private data safe in the information age. This project aims to address a missing piece of the solution, and build and demonstrate a low error quantum network node compatible with established point-to-point link quantum encryption systems. This is vital to extend the utility of dedicated links to flexible networks, and the quantum internet. Our approach will be based on development of newly emerging semiconductor telecom quantum LED technology, which shares roots with conventional opto-electronics. Our research plan will develop enhanced LED designs that will revolutionise performance, including high frequency operation. Finally, we will begin field testing of our systems, distributing quantum-entangled LED light over installed optical fibre infrastructure.