The High-throughput and Secure Networks (HTSN) Challenge program focuses on technologies that will help realize the vision of providing the Canadian telecommunication ecosystem with the tools necessary to deploy networks that can deliver faster and more secure internet services to users, no matter where they are in Canada.
Advances in metrology and characterization methodologies are critical to this effort, as they will enable next-generation communications systems, such as quantum communication devices and 6G technologies. Standardization is key to the interoperability of technologies and facilitates the adoption of Canadian technologies in international markets. The measurement science solutions the NRC has developed for Canada contribute to more effective and informed decision making for industry, to developing standards and regulations, and to negotiating trade agreements.
Our expertise
HTSN draws on NRC and collaborator expertise in techniques for measuring and detecting optical signals.
Characterization directly linked to the International System of Units (SI)
Current measurement standards for telecommunications ensure the reliability of today's data transmission networks. However, as new technologies are developed and rolled out into our communications infrastructure, we also need to develop new techniques for verification and validation. By developing measurement techniques based on international standard measurement quantities, units and practices, we contribute to cohesive communications infrastructures and operations both across Canada and around the world.
Metrology for quantum communications components and devices
HTSN is supporting a collaboration between the NRC and the University of Colorado with contributions from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop techniques for validating the optical power of quantum sources of light using methods that can be traced back to the International System of Units.
Calibration of telecommunications equipment already involves optical power measurements. This team of collaborators is developing similar measurement techniques but ones that can be easily translated to quantum secure communications infrastructure.Looking ahead to 6G technologies
The terahertz (THz) frequency band has strong promise to ease capacity limitations and the spectrum scarcity of future wireless systems. Under the HTSN Challenge program, the NRC and the University of Ottawa have developed detection techniques for THz radiation with commercially available components that can be easily characterized. These techniques will allow for straightforward translation of this THz detection scheme to the telecommunications industry for 6G technologies because industry is already familiar with the calibration and characterization techniques required. By bringing our core capabilities in metrology to bear in this area, we are helping to establish measurement techniques for THz radiation that will deliver reliable and reproducible results, which is an essential step to enable further research and eventual commercial applications of THz technology.
Facilities and labs
The NRC Metrology Research Centre has a state-of-the-art cryogenic research and development platform for testing new devices for quantum component characterization.
Success stories
Learn more about our accomplishments in the field of network metrology:
Related links
- High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge program
- Quantum and Nanotechnologies Research Centre
- Quantum research at the NRC
- Grant and contribution funding for collaborators
- Thermometry and radiometry
Contact us
Lynne Genik
Program Director
High-throughput and Secure Networks Challenge program
Email: NRC.HTSN-RHDS.CNRC@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca