Introduction

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems, such as the company’s Qline, provide quantum-secure communication along a network of users. However, for large-scale deployment, the Qline system requires continuous monitoring to detect performance issues, potential security threats, and system failures.

Beyond QKD, we aim to expand our quantum capabilities by developing advanced applications. Implementing Quantum Digital Signatures (QDS) will be a step toward building a broader quantum-secure infrastructure, paving the way for the future quantum internet.

This internship proposal focuses on:

1. Developing a real-time monitoring system for the Qline system.
2. Implementing a Quantum Digital Signature (QDS) protocol on top of Qline or Qline hardware simulator to ensure authentication in secure communications.

The project will enhance the reliability of the company’s quantum infrastructure while expanding its functionality with a robust quantum authentication mechanism.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this internship are:

Monitoring System for Qline (QKD)

1. Design and implement a real-time monitoring system to track the resource usage of Qline (e.g. key rate, quantum bit error rate (QBER), system uptime).
2. Develop a dashboard for visualization of real-time and historical system usage data.

Implementation of Quantum Digital Signature (QDS)

3. Integrate a Quantum Digital Signature (QDS) protocol on top of Qline or Qline hardware simulator for authentication and integrity verification.
4. Validate the security properties of QDS within the Qline infrastructure.

Methodology

Phase 1: Research & Requirement Analysis

• Study the company’s Qline system architecture and available APIs.
• Identify key system parameters for monitoring (e.g., QBER, key rate, hardware status).
• Review existing QDS protocols and determine the best implementation approach with the supervisor.

Phase 2: Monitoring System Development

• Develop a real-time monitoring tool for tracking Qline system metrics.
• Create a dashboard for system administrators to visualize Qline performance.

Phase 3: Quantum Digital Signature (QDS) Implementation**

• Design a QDS protocol using BB84 states
• Implement QDS in software and integrate it with the Qline-generated keys
• Test the authentication and security properties of the system.

Phase 4: Security & Performance Analysis

• Evaluate system performance under real-world conditions.
• Measure QDS efficiency (latency, error rates, key consumption).
• Perform security analysis against quantum attacks in time allows.

Phase 5: Report & Final Recommendations

• Document all findings, challenges, and potential optimizations.

Expected Outcomes

• A real-time Qline monitoring system with anomaly detection and visualization.
• A working Quantum Digital Signature (QDS) prototype implemented on Qline.
• A security and performance analysis report evaluating the system’s feasibility.
• Recommendations for future commercial integration and improvements.

Required Expertise

To successfully contribute to this project, the intern should have knowledge and experience in the following areas:

Essential Skills

• Quantum Cryptography & QKD – Understanding of quantum key distribution (BB84, E91) and quantum communication principles.
• Programming – Experience with at least one of the following:
• Python
• C/C++
• Data Visualization Tools (e.g., Matplotlib or custom dashboards).
• Network Security & Monitoring – Basic knowledge of network security principles and performance monitoring tools.

Preferred Skills (Bonus)

• Hands-on QKD Experience – Prior exposure to experimental quantum communication setups.
• Cryptographic Protocols – Familiarity with digital signatures, authentication methods, and key management.

Internship Supervisor

Chin-Te Liao, Network Simulator

About Veriqloud

VeriQloud is a Paris-based company developing solutions for quantum cryptography, based on new quantum architectures and software.