Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with 5G Technology Integration University of Southampton in United Kingdom

This project is part of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Quantum Technology Engineering at the University of Southampton ( https://qte.ac.uk/ ). In addition to the research project outlined below you will receive substantial training in scientific, technical, and commercial skills.

Project Description

The objective of this project is to integrate quantum communication into emerging wireless networks, paving the way for a global quantum network in time for 6G.

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) modulates its information onto the phase or amplitude of the electromagnetic wave. This enables quantum-secured applications such as banking and healthcare to be delivered using off-the-shelf wireless transceivers.

Nonetheless, the current wireless CV-QKD systems face two significant limitations. Firstly, transmission distance is constrained by both atmospheric turbulence and the multipath effect in electromagnetic wave propagation. Secondly, the generation rate of secret key is orders of magnitude lower than the classical communication data rate. To mitigate these challenges, on one hand, 5G-compliant error correction codes will be designed for enhancing CV-QKD’s robustness against channel impairments. On the other hand, leveraging the principal waveform of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) in 5G, the secret key rate is expected to increase with the number of OFDM subcarriers, thereby optimizing wireless spectrum access.

This project will be supervised by Dr Chao Xu, who’s the first researcher from the University of Southampton to achieve the highest score 100/100 in the EU’s Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) fellowship proposal evaluation. This project will also co-supervised by Prof Lajos Hanzo (Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Life Fellow of the IEEE) as well as by Dr Yasir Noori (Senior Lecturer, Chartered Physicist and Engineer).

This project will provide a unique cross-disciplinary training to an aspiring PhD student. The PhD student and the supervisors will intensively collaborate with their industrial collaborators. Moreover, the knowledge gleaned by this project will be transferred to students through teaching by the supervisors, which will inspire more Southampton students to get into quantum research.

Supervisory team : Dr Chao Xu, Prof Lajos Hanzo, Dr Yasir Noori

For more information, please contact the supervisor: Dr Chao Xu, [email protected]

Entry Requirements

Undergraduate degree (at least UK 2:1 honours degree, or international equivalent.

Closing date

Applications are accepted throughout the year for a start date in September 2025. Overseas students requiring funding must apply before 31 March 2025.

Funding

Funding on a competitive basis. For UK students, tuition fees and a stipend at the UKRI rate tax-free for 4 years. EU and Horizon Europe students are eligible for scholarships. Overseas students who have secured or are seeking external funding are welcome to apply.

How to apply

Apply online here : Select programme type “Research”, “Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences”, next page select “PhD Quantum Tech Eng”. In Section 2 of the application form insert the name of the supervisor.

Applications should include

Applications should include (further details on https://qte.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/ ): Personal statement; Curriculum Vitae; Contacts of two referees; Degree Transcripts/Certificates to date.

We are committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity and give full consideration to applicants seeking part-time study. The University of Southampton takes personal circumstances into account, has onsite childcare facilities, is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.