DRDO and IIT Delhi Demonstrate Quantum Entanglement-Based Free-Space Quantum Technology

India has marked a significant milestone in quantum technology by successfully demonstrating free-space quantum secure communication. This achievement was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), industry partners, and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The experiment showcased quantum entanglement over a distance exceeding one kilometer, establishing a new frontier in secure communication technology that could have far-reaching implications for national security and cyber defense.

Breakthrough in Quantum Communication

The recent experiment conducted at IIT Delhi achieved a secure key rate of approximately 240 bits per second, with a quantum bit error rate of less than 7%. This advancement in entanglement-assisted quantum secure communication is expected to facilitate real-time applications in quantum cybersecurity. Notably, it lays the groundwork for long-distance Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the creation of quantum networks, and the eventual development of a quantum internet. These initiatives align with India’s broader goals of enhancing quantum technologies for national development and security.

The project, titled “Design and Development of Photonic Technologies for Free Space QKD,” was sanctioned by the Directorate of Futuristic Technology Management (DFTM) of DRDO. The demonstration was led by Professor Bhaskar Kanseri’s research group and attended by several dignitaries, including the DRDO Director General and other prominent officials from various sectors. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of partnerships between academia and industry in advancing cutting-edge technologies.

Advantages of Quantum Entanglement

Quantum entanglement-based QKD offers significant advantages over traditional key distribution methods. It enhances both security and functionality, ensuring that even if devices are compromised, the distribution of keys remains secure. Any attempt to measure or intercept the entangled photons disrupts the quantum state, allowing legitimate users to detect potential eavesdroppers. This feature makes quantum communication a robust solution for securing sensitive data across various sectors, including defense, finance, and telecommunications.

Moreover, free-space QKD eliminates the need for extensive optical fiber installations, which can be costly and disruptive, particularly in urban environments or challenging terrains. This innovation could revolutionize how secure communications are established, making it easier to implement in diverse settings.

Previous Achievements and Future Prospects

This latest achievement follows India’s first intercity quantum communication link established in 2022 between Vindhyachal and Prayagraj, which utilized commercial-grade underground dark optical fiber. More recently, in 2024, the same research team successfully distributed quantum keys using entanglement over a 100-kilometer spool of telecom-grade optical fiber. These milestones highlight the rapid advancements in quantum communication technologies being developed in India.

The ongoing efforts are part of the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs) initiative, which has established 15 centers at leading academic institutions, including IITs and IISc. These centers focus on developing cutting-edge defense technologies, further solidifying India’s position in the global quantum technology landscape.

Recognition and Future Implications

In recognition of this landmark achievement, Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO and IIT Delhi, emphasizing that India has entered a new quantum era of secure communication. He noted that this advancement could be a game changer in future warfare. Additionally, Dr. Samir V Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, along with Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director of IIT Delhi, commended the team for their significant contributions to quantum technology.

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