Quantum Communication

Quantum Key Distribution

QKD seeks to establish a secret symmetric key between two parties using the principles of quantum mechanics. The full stack development of QKD requires an understanding of both classical and quantum communications

• quantum random number generation (QRNG)

• error control codes (ECC)

• authentication

• privacy amplifcation

Finally these secret keys are used to encode/decode data. This is best done using post quantum cryptography (PQC)  e.g.  with lattice codes.

There are a number of protocols and implementations possible, each with their own share of difficulties and advantages. Current explorations include

• DPS-QKD, up to 105 km

• COW-QKD, up to 150 km

• MDI-QKD

We also work on building our own QRNG, entangled sources and detectors, and are working towards field trials over a Metro Area Quantum Access Network (MAQAN). We will also explore quantum secret sharing, CV-QKD and free space optics (FSO)

Sponsors

1. Ministry of Human Resources & Development, Uchhatar Avishkar Yojana (UAY) 

2. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)

Collaborators

• CDAC, SETS, ERNET on MAQAN

Staff

1. Gopal

2. Roshan