Lortek drives the development of quantum technologies applied to industrial security

LORTEK is part of the Cervera QUIXOTE Network of Excellence, an initiative aimed at advancing the development of quantum technologies for security and other strategic sectors. The project seeks to generate new knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and contribute to technological autonomy in a field considered key to the future.

Quantum technologies offer new opportunities in areas such as secure communications, advanced sensing, and high-precision navigation. Through QUIXOTE, the participating research centres will work together to bring these technologies closer to the market and facilitate their deployment in real-world environments.

In this context, LORTEK will play a leading role in the development of quantum-enhanced inertial sensors. To achieve this, it will lead the creation of an experimental testbed to validate and assess these sensors under controlled conditions, including fibre-optic gyroscopes operating in a quantum regime.

In addition, LORTEK will lead the simulation of quantum sensor networks to study different configurations and architectures and evaluate the advantages they may provide for specific applications.

The Cervera QUIXOTE Network of Excellence will address both hardware and software developments. The consortium is composed of ITECAM, GRADIANT, I2CAT, FIDESOL, and LORTEK, and aims to strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities of its members in areas such as quantum communications, networking, and sensing.

The project’s R&D activities are organised around two main technological pillars. The first focuses on quantum-secure communications, with the goal of developing systems capable of transmitting information with very high levels of security. Work will include both commercially available QKD systems and emerging approaches such as QCKA, which are still under development. These technologies will be tested across different network environments and combined with existing cybersecurity techniques to facilitate their integration into real systems.

The second pillar focuses on quantum sensing and navigation. Research will be carried out on advanced quantum sensors to improve positioning and navigation without relying on GPS. Technologies under study include more sensitive radar systems, magnetic field detection technologies, and high-precision inertial navigation systems. The aim is to evaluate their performance in demanding conditions, particularly in environments where GNSS signals are unavailable or unreliable.

The consortium is led by ITECAM. Together with I2CAT and FIDESOL, it will focus part of its efforts on ultra-secure quantum communication networks and post-quantum encryption, addressing both hardware and software developments. Meanwhile, GRADIANT and LORTEK will conduct research in the field of quantum sensing, with particular interest in diamond nitrogen-vacancy magnetometers and Rydberg atom-based radiofrequency sensors.

QUIXOTE will represent an important step forward in the development and application of quantum technologies, enabling the exploration of new solutions and the definition of the conditions required for their deployment in real-world environments. The network will focus on applications in the social, industrial, and security domains, supporting the transfer of these advances from the laboratory to operational systems and services.

The project will also contribute to strengthening the research capabilities of the participating centres by promoting the training of specialised personnel and fostering equality and female participation in science and technology activities.

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