Ultra-Secure Quantum Communication System

Context

Scientists from IIT Delhi and DRDO have successfully tested an ultra-secure commspecific system using entanglement based free-space quantum secure communication.  

Key Highlights

• This method makes use of mild debris (photons) and the principle of quantum entanglement to transmit data through air, ensuring that any attempt to intercept the communication is at once detectable. 
• It marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to construct quantum-secure networks under the National Quantum Mission (2023–2031). 
• Scientists have proven entanglement based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over a 1 km free-space link, transmitting quantum keys via air, recording a strong key charge of 240 bps (bits per second), showing resilience to atmospheric turbulence, detector noise, and artificial lighting. 
• Earlier, in 2022, India’s first intercity quantum link (Vindhyachal–Prayagraj) was established using commercial-grade fibre.  
• In 2023, QKD was prolonged to 380 km over well-known telecom fibre (QBER 1.48%), followed by a 100 km demo in 2024. 

Quantum Communication and Quantum Entanglement

• Quantum commspecific is the transmission of secure data using  ideas of quantum mechanics, especially quantum entanglement.  
  • It includes protocols like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), quantum teleportation, and dense coding and techniques such as free-space communication, quantum repeaters, and decoherence-free subspaces to allow strong, long-distance transmission.  
  • It holds strategic costs for defence and cybersecurity. 
• Quantum Entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum physics where two or more particles come to be linked in the sort of manner that the nation of 1 immediately determines the state of the opposite, no matter the distance between them.  
  • It defies classical physics and allows packages like quantum communication, quantum cryptography, and quantum computing. 

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) 

• • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a strong commspecific method that uses the concepts of quantum mechanics to generate and share cryptographic keys between two parties. 

• Working: 

• • • QKD makes use of qubits (quantum bits), transmitted through optical fibres based on general inner mirrored image, to safely change encryption keys between two customers.  
    • Unlike classical bits, qubits are encoded on photons and are fantastically sensitive to disturbance. 
    • QKD allows  remote users, who do not start with sharing a secret key, to generate a common, random secret key. These interactions should authenticate the use of classical cryptographic techniques. 
    • If an eavesdropper attempts to intercept the communication, it disturbs the qubits, inflicting transmission errors that alert the valid customers. Thus, QKD transforms an authenticated classical channel into a strong quantum channel, ensuring tamper-evident encryption. 

• Types of QKD: 

• • Prepare-and-Measure QKD: One party prepares photons in specific quantum states, and the alternative measures them. Any interference alters the state, revealing intrusion. 
  • Entanglement-Based QKD: A source generates entangled photon pairs and sends one to every party. The entangled nature guarantees that the size effects are correlated and secure. 

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

• The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a strategic national initiative aimed at advancing India’s skills in quantum technologies.  
• It is one of the 9 key missions under the PM-STIAC (Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council).  
• It seeks to place India as a global leader in quantum technology by fostering innovation in quantum communication, quantum computing, and precision sensing. 
• It was approved by the Union Cabinet in 2023 for the period 2023–24 to 2030–31. 

Source: The Hindu

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