DRDO’s Breakthrough in Quantum Communication

DRDO’s Breakthrough in Quantum Communication

Why in News DRDO’s Breakthrough in Quantum Communication? 

Recently, DRDO and IIT Delhi have jointly achieved a significant milestone in quantum communication technology. According to the Ministry of Defence, this success will greatly contribute to India’s efforts in developing advanced cyber security solutions. 

Key Highlights of DRDO’s Achievement in Quantum Communication

• Indian scientists have jointly achieved a major experimental breakthrough in the field of quantum communication.
• In this demonstration, scientists successfully established secure quantum communication over a distance of more than one kilometer using a free-space optical link aided by entangled photons.
• This communication system generated secure keys at a speed of 240 bits per second, with a remarkably low error rate.
• The error rate recorded in this experiment was less than 7%, proving its stability and reliability.
• One of the most notable aspects of this experimental setup is that all photonic components used were completely indigenous, developed entirely in India.
• The achievement was a joint research effort conducted by the DIA-CoE, a collaborative initiative of DRDO, academia, and industry partners, in association with IIT Delhi.
• The project was sanctioned by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM).
• The research team, led by Professor Bhaskar Kanseri, demonstrated the practical application of this technology.

What is Quantum Communication?

• Introduction:
  • Quantum communication is a technique that sends messages using the quantum states of light particles in such a way that no one can read it secretly.
  • In this, data is transmitted by encoding it into special quantum states of photons (light particles).
  • The unique feature of these photons is that any attempt to tamper with or read them instantly alters their state, alerting both sender and receiver of the interference.
• Working Mechanism:
  • The functioning of quantum communication is based entirely on concepts such as quantum states, entanglement, and superposition.
  • This innovation relies on the phenomenon of quantum entanglement, where two particles remain linked regardless of distance—any modification in one particle immediately mirrors in the other.
  • Through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), secure keys are shared.
    Photon preparation: The sender first selects certain photons and prepares them in specific quantum states, such as by adjusting their polarization or phase. 
  • Transmission: The prepared photons are then transmitted to the receiver via an optical fiber or free-space channel.
  • Measurement and Detection: The receiver uses a quantum detector to measure these photons. Any unauthorized attempt to tap into the system alters the quantum states of photons.
  • Key Sifting: The sender and receiver communicate over a public channel to determine which photons were received correctly. A secret key is then formed from these, followed by error correction and privacy amplification.
• Benefits:
  • In places where laying optical fiber networks is difficult, quantum free-space communication provides a practical solution. 
  • Since quantum communication does not require a fiber optic network, it becomes a low-cost yet high-security alternative.
  • Data transmitted via quantum technology cannot be decoded by hackers or external agencies, as it remains fully encrypted. 
  • It provides a highly secure medium for sending messages related to military communication, intelligence agencies, or nuclear command.
• Applications:
  • Defense and Military Communication: The defense sector can protect highly confidential operations from potential leaks or surveillance.
  • Banking and Financial Transactions: QKD can protect online transactions from cyberattacks.
  • Election Process: Quantum technology can be crucial in preventing tampering in e-voting systems.
  • Healthcare: Helps keep sensitive patient data confidentiality between doctors and hospitals.
  • Research and Academic Data: Allows secure exchange of critical research data between institutions.
  • Power Systems and Grids: National security can be enhanced by safeguarding electric grids against hacking.
  • Navigation and GPS: Improves the authenticity of satellite data, enabling tamper-free navigation.

India’s Initiatives in the Field of Quantum Communication

• National Quantum Mission: It was introduced in 2023 by India’s central government. The National Quantum Mission operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish India’s leadership in global quantum advancements.
  • The mission is planned to run until 2031, during which quantum computers with 50 to 1000 physical qubits will be developed.
  • A major objective of this mission is to establish satellite-based secure quantum communication over distances exceeding 2000 kilometers.
• ISRO’s Quantum Space Initiative: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken a vital step towards integrating quantum technologies into its space missions. In 2021, ISRO successfully demonstrated free-space quantum communication over a distance of 300 meters.
• DRDO’s Quantum Communication Success: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested a quantum key distribution link spanning over 100 kilometers between Prayagraj and Vindhyachal in Uttar Pradesh. 
• India Quantum Alliance: An initiative by the Department of Telecommunications, the India Quantum Alliance has brought together private industries, research institutions, and startups with the mission to elevate India’s role in quantum advancement.
  • C-DOT has successfully created a native solution that enables the integration of quantum information and conventional internet signals using a single fiber-optic infrastructure.
  • The alliance is now accelerating research in advanced areas such as Continuous Variable QKD, Twin-Field QKD, and Measurement Device-Independent QKD (MDI-QKD).
• Quantum Telecom Network: India’s first quantum computing-based telecom network has been established between Sanchar Bhawan and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in Delhi. This network ensures hack-proof government communication and delivers a high-security communication infrastructure.