|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In a development that marks a significant leap forward in quantum communication, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have achieved a milestone by integrating indigenous quantum key distribution (QKD) systems.
This innovation seamlessly marries C-DOT’s Fiber-based QKD system with PRL’s Free Space QKD system, establishing an end-to-end quantum communication link spanning both fibre optics and free space as transport mediums.
The demonstration of this integrated quantum communication system, held at the 2nd International Quantum Communication Conclave in New Delhi, garnered attention from leading scientific figures, including Prof. Ajay Sood, the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, and Dr Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications.
This collaboration tackles the pressing challenge posed by the rapid advancement of quantum computing and algorithms. With quantum computers capable of compromising encryption keys, traditional data security methods are at risk. QKD emerges as a robust solution, offering secure encryption even against the formidable power of quantum computing.
The implications of deploying QKD extend across diverse sectors, including defence, government communications, healthcare, finance, and telecommunications. By leveraging various mediums such as optical fibre, free space, and satellite links, QKD promises unparalleled end-to-end security across communication networks.
C-DOT has been at the forefront of developing rugged and field-deployable QKD solutions. Having received technology approval from the Telecom Engineering Center (TEC), C-DOT’s QKD link has been operational between Sanchar Bhawan and NIC Headquarters since February of the previous year.
On the other hand, PRL, with its illustrious legacy in space sciences, has been exploring the utilisation of space for quantum secure communication. Supported by the Department of Space (DOS) and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), PRL has demonstrated free-space QKD using entangled photons and has investigated the effects of the atmosphere on secure key rates.
The successful integration of C-DOT’s fibre-based QKD with PRL’s free space QKD represents the fruition of a memorandum of understanding signed between the two organisations several years ago. This milestone underscores the collaborative spirit driving India’s progress in quantum communication technologies.
Dr Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, emphasised the significance of this achievement and expressed the commitment of both organisations to further scale the integrated QKD system. This collaborative effort not only showcases India’s technological prowess in quantum communication but also lays the groundwork for secure and resilient communication networks in the quantum era.
The integrated QKD system holds immense potential for advancing quantum communication capabilities, not only within India but on a global scale. As quantum technologies continue to evolve, collaborative efforts between institutions like C-DOT and PRL will play a pivotal role in harnessing the full potential of quantum communication for the benefit of society.
This achievement also underscores India’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement in critical areas such as quantum communication. By fostering partnerships between research institutions and government agencies, India is poised to emerge as a global leader in quantum technologies, paving the way for a more secure and interconnected future.
OpenGov Asia reported that Indian scientists had identified a model system of quantum critical points set to transform our understanding of new materials. This system promises insights into behaviours near quantum critical points, crucial for advancing fields like entanglement and quantum computing.
Transitioning from well-studied materials like silicon, researchers face challenges in grappling with emerging materials such as transition metal oxides. The study on “local quantum criticality” sheds light on collective interactions governing material behaviour.
This breakthrough not only advances material science but also paves the way for quantum computing innovations, unlocking new avenues for next-generation materials with unprecedented applications.
