India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over Multi-Core Fibre

The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), in collaboration with Sterlite Technologies Limited (STL), has successfully demonstrated India’s first Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF).

Key Highlights:

• Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) allows multiple data streams to travel simultaneously through distinct cores in a single optical fibre.
• This significantly reduces physical infrastructure requirements and optimizes space usage.
• In QKD, which usually requires a dedicated dark fibre for the quantum channel, MCF introduces a game-changing advantage:
  • Quantum and classical signals can be transmitted simultaneously yet separately across different cores.
  • This ensures quantum signal integrity while enabling high-capacity data transmission, leading to cost-effective and scalable deployments.

About QKD & Quantum Cryptography:

• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to securely generate and share cryptographic keys.
• It can detect eavesdropping attempts, a capability not present in classical cryptographic methods.
• Quantum cryptography extends this security model to full communication systems based on quantum principles.

(Source: PIB)