A quantum change in communications!

An insider’s view on the current stage of India’s journey to achieve the capacity to harness the transformational potential of quantum communications

“We are engaged in the development of entangled photon sources, advanced entangled photon devices, metamaterials, and single-photon detectors.”- Prof. Venugopal Achanta,Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory

When it comes to quantum communications, India can discover a new trail, way before, and better, than other nations can, believes Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory.

We all know the many facets of security in communications, through beam or fibre splitting or other decrypting methods. In quantum communication, with the use of single photons (for strong security) and entangled photons (for capacity enhancements), a lot can be changed. That is the USPof quantum communications, Prof. Achanta explained. He was delivering his address on ‘Defining India’s vision of Quantum Communications’.

WHAT IS QUANTUM COMMUNICATION?

Quantum communication represents a cutting-edge paradigm in the field of information exchange, harnessing the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve unprecedented levels of security and efficiency. At its core, quantum communication relies on the unique properties of quantum particles, such as photons, to enable the secure transmission of information.

Quantum communication harnesses the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve unprecedented levels of security and efficiency.

One of its fundamental applications is quantum key distribution (QKD), a technique that allows two parties to securely exchange cryptographic keys. Unlike classical encryption methods, QKD ensures the security of the communication channel by detecting any eavesdropping attempts, as per the principles of quantum indeterminacy. This level of security is of paramount importance in the digital age, where sensitive information, ranging from financial transactions to national security data, is constantly under threat from cyber-attacks.

STRONGER AND BETTER

An integrated quantum communication network was demonstrated in 2021. Quantum networks also work with optical fibres on the ground with satellite links that cover a vast range of space and commercial users through quantum key distribution, Prof. Achantaspelt out.

These developments become relevant as we have come to the understanding of hybrid-satellite and fibre-technologies together; especially as blanking out satellite signals is a possibility.

Prof. Achanta also dwelt on what we need to have to unlock quantum communications. “Non-classical light sources, single-photon detectors like superconducting nanowire-based SPD, Silicon Avalanche Photodiodes, quantum repeaters, quantum memories, satellite, ground networksand fibre networksare factors that we need in place to make this shiftrealisable.”

Quantum networks also work with optical fibre on the ground with satellite links that cover a vast range of space and commercial users.

The present and future of metrology for high-precision measurements will play a crucial role in driving significant progress in various areas, including testing and certifying sources, improving transmission systems and components, and enhancing precision positioning. “To achieve these, we need novel sensors that can leverage the quantum nature of matter. We are actively engaged in research and development in these areas, including the development of entangled photon sources, advanced entangled photon devices, metamaterials, single-photon detectors, and more.

Getting there, Faster

Drawing insights from the 'National Mission for Quantum Technologies' and referencing the ongoing work in his organisation and others, Prof. Achanta discussed various areas of advancement in this emerging field. He highlighted the potential of nano-diamonds for single photon applications and elaborated on the development of roadmaps for quantum cryptography, quantum network enablers, and quantum optics. “At present, the preliminary work is underway, which will be followed by prototypes. We anticipate the actual systems will hopefully be in place within the next eight years,” he said.

Utilisation of terahertz bands with larger bandwidth is being looked at with high power source enhancers. Amplifiers and multipliers are also being explored. A lot of experts and organisations in India are working on terahertz antennae for source and detector, components for splitting, wave guiding manipulation, transmission spectroscopy and so on.“We are in the R&D stage of both components and systems, and we are going towards terahertz research and quantum communications,”Prof. Achanta informed.

Importance of quantum communication

In modern society, the importance of quantum communication cannot be overstated. With the rise of quantum computers, traditional encryption methods, which form the backbone of internet security, are at risk of being broken. Quantum communication provides a solution to this impending threat by offering a fundamentally secure means of information exchange. Moreover, quantum communication has the potential to revolutionise fields beyond cybersecurity. It can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of global communication networks, enabling real-time and secure data transfer, which is crucial for applications in fields like healthcare, financeand scientific research.

Additionally, quantum communication plays a pivotal role in the development of quantum internet, a futuristic network where quantum information can be shared and processed globally, leading to advancements in fields like quantum computing, quantum teleportation and quantum-enhanced sensing technologies. As society becomes increasingly reliant on digital communication, the advent of quantum communication offers a promising and secure path forward, ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of information exchange in the modern world.

By Pratima Harigunani

pratimah@cybermedia.co.in