Context
For the first time in the country, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has demonstrated free-space quantum communication over a distance of 300 meters.
What is Quantum Communication?
- Quantum communication is based on the advantage of the laws of quantum physics.
- This involves the use of photons of light for transmitting data along with optical cables.
- They represent multiple combinations of 1 and 0 together.
- The particles are known as quantum bits or qubits.
About the Quantum Communication achieved through ISRO
- The free-space Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology was demonstrated at Space Applications Centre.
- Several key technologies have been developed indigenously to accomplish this major feat
- indigenously developed NAVIC receiver used for the time synchronization between the transmitter and receiver
- gimbal mechanism systems for optical alignment
Significance of Quantum Communication
- Security of data: The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology uses Quantum Communication technology which ensures unconditional data security through the principles of quantum mechanics.
- Conventional cryptosystems depend on the complexity of mathematical algorithms, whereas quantum communication is based on the laws of Physics.
- It is taken as a breakthrough towards ISRO’s goal of showing satellite-based quantum communication.
