Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have demonstrated secure communication established between a stationary source and a moving receiver using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD).
This demonstration could pave the way for ground-to-satellite-based secure quantum communication in future, a statement issued by the RRI said on Saturday.
”These results, scientists say, could help India design and provide secure communication channels, especially for defence and strategic purposes, enhance cyber security and make online transactions safer than today,” according to the statement.
To achieve this feat, a team of researchers led by Prof Urbasi Sinha at the Quantum Information and Computing (QuIC) lab deployed the indigenously developed Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system. The PAT assisted the ground-based source in tracking the moving receiver in this case, a terrestrial vehicle, a few metres apart.
The successful experimental demonstration was held at RRI in early March this year, the statement read. It added that this work is part of the Quantum Experiments using Satellite Technology (QuEST) project for which RRI has been collaborating with the UR Rao Satellite Centre of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) since 2017.
In a satellite-based long-distance quantum communication, the ground station needs to keep the line of sight with the moving satellite, the RRI said.
