Quantum communication
Why it Matters?
India is aiming to achieve satellite-based quantum communication by 2030, with IIT-Delhi recently demonstrating India’s longest free-space quantum key distribution using photons over 1 km without cables.
What You Should Know?
Quantum communication involves encoding information in quantum states, typically of photons, and transmitting them across distances using principles like superposition and entanglement.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows secure sharing of encryption keys, where any eavesdropping attempt disturbs the quantum state and becomes detectable.
It offers global-scale secure communication through satellites or free-space optical channels, unlike classical encryption which is vulnerable to hacking.
Applications of Quantum Communication:
It enables secure communication of highly sensitive strategic or defence data, resistant to interception.
It secures financial transactions and online banking systems from cyber-attacks via QKD.
It protects critical infrastructure communication from cyber threats that can cause blackouts or grid failures.
It safeguards personal data in cloud storage, online shopping, and digital identity systems.
It ensures the secure exchange of medical records and patient data between hospitals and diagnostic centers.
It enables secure collaboration between research institutions, especially in fields involving sensitive or proprietary data.
It strengthens GPS systems against spoofing or tampering by securing signal transmission.
Recent Discovery:
IIT-Delhi, led by Prof. Bhaskar Kanseri, has demonstrated free-space QKD transmission over 1 km, the longest in India without fibre cables.
The goal is to achieve free-space QKD using satellites by 2030, which would allow secure communication over thousands of kilometers.
Free-space QKD is cost-effective over long distances compared to fibre optic cables but is more vulnerable to atmospheric disturbances like turbulence, pollution, and beam wandering.
Current research is still at the Proof of Concept (PoC) stage, with a small team, indicating the need for multidisciplinary experts, funding, and startups.