For more information contact:
Iliana Tamar, Marcom Manager, Raicol Crystals, iliana.tamar@raicol.com
Shari Worthington, PR Counsel, Telesian Technology, sharilee@telesian.com

Raicol Crystals and Qubitekk Awarded a Grant from the BIRD Foundation to Develop an Efficient Miniaturized Entangled Photon Source for Quantum Computing

The project will enable first of its kind, ultra-fast data encryption with significant market potential in financial, security, medical, and governmental systems

June 16, 2020 – Rosh Ha’Ayin, Israel – Raicol Crystals, which manufactures unique non-linear crystals for use in the space, aviation, and pharma industries, will collaborate with Qubitekk, Inc. (Vista, California), which develops and manufactures a variety of products for Quantum networks and Quantum Key Distribution. The companies are partnering on a project focusing on quantum communications. As part of the joint project, the companies will develop an intangible, minimized photonic source that will serve as an endpoint for sending encrypted messages.

The world of computing has undergone a revolution due to the advent of quantum computing. Countries and organizations around the world are in a race for superiority in quantum computing and communications. Quantum-based communications will allow for large amounts of information to move quickly, qualitatively, securely, and without the influence of distance or environmental conditions. The collaboration between the companies will combine the photon-splitting capabilities of Raicol Crystals with Qubitekk’s quantum entanglement source to replace quantum keys with the aim of developing an elaborate endpoint for the transfer of split photons. This development will enable ultra-fast data encryption and may be used in a variety of areas including financial, security, medical, and governmental systems. In the long term, the goal of the project is to significantly reduce the size of the quantum photonic source while increasing and refining its capabilities to become one of the most innovative and exceptional products of its kind.

The companies have been awarded a grant from the Israel – U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development (BIRD) Foundation. The BIRD Foundation is working to encourage cooperation between Israeli and American companies in a variety of technology sectors for joint product development. The projects focus on providing solutions that are of mutual benefit to the U.S. and Israel.

Dr. Eitan Yudilevich, Executive Director of the BIRD Foundation, said, “Quantum computing is a strategic tool that will become essential for organizations and governments in the future. We are proud to support the development of technology capable of positioning Israeli and American industries to be at the forefront with the development of new products of this kind. The BIRD Foundation will continue to support innovative projects that develop solutions addressing present and future challenges.”

Aner Yarden, CEO of Raicol Crystals, said, “We are proud to receive funding from the BIRD Foundation for our project with Qubitekk. Qubitekk has registered a number of Quantum Key Distribution patents and is a pioneer in quantum communication and networks. Raicol Crystals produces a unique crystal that serves as a critical component of quantum communications systems. We will continue to seek collaborations in quantum communications that will allow leading space stations and research institutes to leverage our knowledge and experience and lead us to commercial success.”

About Raicol Crystals
Raicol Crystals manufactures non-linear electro-optic crystals for the laser systems in the fields of space, aviation, and pharma industries. The company manufactures RTP and KTP crystals – Potassium titanyl phosphate, LBO, BBO in a unique patent protected process . Founded in 1995 and located in Rosh Ha’Ayin, the company has an innovative and state of art production site that includes about 100 systems for growing crystals, clean rooms, advanced development department, and crystal coating machines that enable the company to guarantee high quality for its products . Raicol Crystals is currently working with the European Space Station, the US Space Agency (NASA), and leading research institutions around the world . More information can be found at www.raicol.com

About the BIRD Foundation
The BIRD Foundation (Binational Industrial Research and Development) works to encourage and facilitate cooperation between U.S. and Israeli companies in a wide range of technology sectors and offers funding to selected projects. During its 42 years of existence, the foundation has approved support for 1000 projects. The BIRD Foundation supports projects without receiving any equity or intellectual property rights in the participating companies or in the projects, themselves. BIRD funding is repaid as royalties from sales of products that were commercialized as a result of BIRD support. The Foundation provides funding of up to 50% of a project’s budget, beginning with R&D and ending with the initial stages of sales and marketing. The Foundation shares the risk and does not require repayment if the project fails to reach the sales stage. More information can be found at www.birdf.com

About Qubitekk Inc.
Qubitekk puts quantum technology into the hands of scientists, engineers, and developers. The quantum-enabled entangled photon solutions provide capabilities and products never before thought possible. Qubitekk is a leader in the field of entangled photon quantum key distribution and is actively working with the federal government on active contracts and the promotion of quantum science. The company’s quantum education kit and Entanglement Academy are key to increasing the knowledge of the United States workforce in needed Quantum skill sets. More information can be found at www.qubitekk.com

© 2020. Raicol Crystals.