India Demonstrates Quantum Entanglement

Prelims: Science and technology| Current events of National Importance

Why in news?

Recently, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi successfully demonstrated quantum secure communication in India.

• India achieved entanglement-based free-space quantum communication over a distance exceeding 1 kilometre, marking a significant milestone in secure communication.
• Quantum Entanglement – It is a quantum phenomenon where two particles (like photons) become linked such that any change in one instantly reflects in the other, regardless of distance.

Communication through quantum entanglement

• • A pair of entangled photons is generated.
  • One photon is sent to the sender, the other to the receiver.
  • Characteristics of photons are correlated, allowing the generation of a shared secret key forming a state of quantum entanglement.
  • If an outsider tries to intercept one photon, then the quantum state is disturbed and intrusion is immediately detected.
• Free-Space communication – The transmission of photons through open air, not through optical fiber or cable.
• It enables secure links over short urban distances, remote areas, and satellite-ground communication.
• Security – Based on the laws of quantum physics, any attempt to observe or intercept, changes the whole system's state.
• This makes the system tamper-proof and ensures that eavesdropping cannot go undetected.
• Strategic Importance for India – It helps to secure military, financial, and governmental communications.
• It reduces dependence on foreign encryption technologies.
• It contributes to Atmanirbhar Bharat in the field of cyber and data security.
• Global context – India now joins a list of elite countries like the USA, China, and members of the EU to demonstrate quantum communication and encryption technologies.
• It enhances India’s position in the emerging quantum technology race.
• Future applications – Forms the basis for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) networks.
• Opens avenues for satellite-based secure links and quantum internet.
• Potential use in banking, defence, space, and critical infrastructure.

Reference

India Today| India Demonstrates Quantum Entanglement