India Achieves Breakthrough In Quantum Communications With First QKD Transmission Over Multi-Core Fibre

In a landmark achievement, C-DOT, collectively with Sterlite Applied sciences Restricted (STL), has efficiently examined India’s first QKD transmission over a 4-core Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) — marking a serious milestone within the nation’s journey in the direction of quantum-secured communication networks.

Multi-Core Fibre (MCF) know-how offers a strong answer by enabling information transmission throughout a number of cores inside a single fibre, considerably saving bodily house and infrastructure prices. Within the context of QKD — which generally requires a devoted darkish fibre for the quantum channel, MCF gives a major benefit: it permits the bodily separation of quantum and classical alerts into distinct cores inside single fibre.

This permits for the simultaneous transmission of QKD and high-capacity information site visitors on a single fibre with out compromising quantum sign integrity thereby saving fibre price.

On this exercise, the quantum alerts of QKD have been transmitted via one core, whereas concurrently, the opposite three cores on the identical fibre have been used to hold high-speed consumer information. A secure QKD hyperlink was established over a distance exceeding 100 km, validating the robustness and stability of quantum communication even amidst high-capacity classical information site visitors.

The Centre for Growth of Telematics (C-DOT), India’s premier telecom R&D centre beneath the Division of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Authorities of India, has emerged as a key participant in advancing India’s quantum communication ecosystem.

C-DOT has efficiently developed and deployed industry-grade Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) programs. Notably, C-DOT’s QKD programs have obtained Expertise Approval from the Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), a physique beneath the DoT.

Sterlite Applied sciences Restricted (STL) is a number one international supplier of built-in digital networks, specialising in optical fibre manufacturing and community designs, with 10+ international manufacturing vegetation and a buyer base spanning 100+ international locations.

As a trailblazer in Optical Networking, Optical Connectivity, Information Centres, and Enterprise options, STL has just lately developed Multi-Core Fibre (MCF), positioning it on the forefront of constructing future-ready, scalable fibre networks. STL’s Multicore fibre leverages House Division Multiplexing in 7 and 4 core fibre to attain ultra-high transmission capability per fibre throughout the similar diameter.

Talking on the event, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO of C-DOT, said, “This initiative is a key milestone for India’s telecom ecosystem. This achievement clearly establishes the feasibility of built-in quantum-classical networks over next-generation optical fibres saving prices for QKD deployments drastically”.

Rahul Puri, CEO, Optical Networking Enterprise, STL mentioned: “This breakthrough collaboration with C-DOT underscores India’s rising prowess in pioneering next-gen digital infrastructure.

By efficiently integrating QKD with our indigenously developed MCF, we have now demonstrated how cutting-edge optical improvements can revolutionised safe communication. We’re dedicated to advancing India’s quantum communication ambitions whereas driving international optical management. This milestone is a testomony to the facility of public-private partnerships in constructing a digitally sovereign and safe nation.”

Each C-DOT and Sterlite Applied sciences (STL) reaffirm their dedication to advancing India’s capabilities in quantum communication and optical community improvements. This achievement is a foundational step towards realising a price efficient, safe and resilient nationwide quantum communication infrastructure.

PIB