Ivan Goncharov and Vadim Kulagin, students of the Institute of Informatics and Cybernetics majoring in Applied Mathematics and Physics, have won a competition announced by the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Center for the Development of Quantum Technologies." They have received grants for young researchers in the field of utilizing and developing the Inter-University Quantum Network (IUQN).
Recall: In 2025, Samara University connected to the Inter-University Quantum Network. The IUQN unites a number of leading universities and scientific organizations in Russia and is intended to become an infrastructure testing ground for developing and testing quantum communication technologies in our country, which enable the creation of communication channels with information protection at the physical level. Such secure communication lines are primarily needed by government structures, data centers, critical infrastructure facilities, major transportation companies, and industrial enterprises.
To accomplish this task, the Research and Education Center "Quantum Communications" has been established at Samara University, and educational and research equipment has been purchased and put into operation.
The scientific supervisor for Ivan Goncharov and Vadim Kulagin is Vladimir Pavelev, Doctor of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Head of the Department of Nanoengineering at Samara University.
"The research of our students concerns the control of the transverse mode composition of radiation – this topic has been pursued at our university for quite some time. The research is necessary to improve the stability of optical communication channels, including in systems with quantum key distribution, in free space in the presence of atmospheric disturbances – this work within the grant will be carried out by Ivan Goncharov. The project aimed at ensuring information protection at the physical level on sections of the communication line where protection with quantum key distribution is absent will be carried out by Vadim Kulagin," explained Vladimir Pavelev.
Both projects involve theoretical analysis and experimental research with subsequent project defense in Moscow. The hardware capabilities of the laboratories at the university's Research and Education Center for Nanotechnology (REC Nanotech) will be used to implement the work.
For reference:
The Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Center for the Development of Quantum Technologies" was established in 2024 based on the Center for Quantum Technologies of the Faculty of Physics at Lomonosov Moscow State University, building on its scientific team and their competencies. The task of the Center for the Development of Quantum Technologies is the accelerated, more flexible, and transparent development of technologies developed with state funding, which will be licensed by the ANO. The scientific directions of the Center's activity are focused on several fundamental branches of quantum technologies: quantum communications, quantum computing, quantum sensors, development of integrated optical processors for artificial intelligence tasks, and consulting and training in the field of quantum technologies.
