India Achieves Groundbreaking Milestone in Quantum Technology with Successful Demonstration of Secure Communication
New Delhi, [Current Date] - India has taken a significant leap forward in quantum technology with the successful demonstration of quantum entanglement-based secure communication at IIT Delhi, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE). The trial marks a major breakthrough in long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and opens up new avenues for quantum cybersecurity applications.
The demonstration, which utilized a free-space optical link on the IIT Delhi campus, achieved a secure key rate of approximately 240 bits per second with an error rate under 7%. This cutting-edge technology has far-reaching implications for defence, banking, telecommunications, and national security, offering unbreakable encryption to secure communications.
The project, 'Design and Development of Photonic Technologies for Free Space QKD', is supported by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM), DRDO. The trial was led by Prof Bhaskar Kanseri's research team in collaboration with senior dignitaries from DRDO, IIT Delhi, and other institutions.
Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers several advantages over traditional methods, including enhanced security and resilience. This technology prevents any unauthorised attempts at interception by disturbing the quantum state, making detection possible.
Earlier this year, DRDO had demonstrated India's first intercity quantum communication link between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj using underground dark fibre. The latest development further expands on these advancements by distributing quantum keys over a 100 km spool of telecom-grade fibre in another DRDO-backed initiative.
The success of this project is part of the DRDO's DIA-CoE initiative, which has established 15 Centres of Excellence at leading academic institutions to drive innovation in advanced defence technologies. This move underscores India's commitment to developing cutting-edge quantum technologies and aligns with its national goals of promoting scientific and technological advancements.