PolyU has successfully completed Hong Kong’s first chip-based quantum network and test. This achievement marks a major step in the commercialisation of quantum communication for Hong Kong.
Led by Prof. Ai-Qun Liu, Director of the Research Institute for Quantum Technology (RIQT), Chair Professor of Quantum Engineering and Science of the EEE department, the research team developed a tiny, self-designed quantum chip. This chip powered a secure quantum encryption test over 55 kilometres of existing fibre—a new global distance record for a metropolitan network.
The technology addresses a critical threat. Future quantum computers could break today's encryption, risking financial data, personal privacy, and IoT security. Quantum encryption is fundamentally unbreakable because any eavesdropping attempt automatically alters the communication, alerting the users.
The PolyU chip offers high-speed, stable performance and is designed for low-cost mass production. Crucially, it is fully compatible with current network systems, allowing for easier future integration.
The practical test successfully connected four nodes across Hong Kong, including PolyU, CityU, and two data centres, proving stable encrypted transmission on a live network. The institute will now expand to larger tests, paving the way for a secure Smart Quantum Network.
