CSIR contributes to quantum comms development
29 January 2014
News
Scientists from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) contributed to a recent development effort conducted jointly by researchers from South Africa, Canada and Scotland, to improve security and boost information capacity in quantum communication systems, using the twisted nature of photons to access quantum states in five dimensions for secure quantum key distribution (QKD).
Conventionally QKD is implemented with the polarisation states of light, allowing access to only two dimensions and thus limiting the information that can be packed into each photon, as well as the security of the QKD process. In contrast, the spatial modes of photons allow access to many states, increasing the dimensions available for QKD. One such example is the twisted nature of light, its orbital angular momentum.
Following their recent work on encoding higher-dimensional, mutually unbiased bases (MUBs) from orbital angular momentum, the research team, which includes the CSIR’s Prof Andrew Forbes and Dr Angela Dudley, used holograms written to liquid crystal devices (spatial light modulators) to demonstrate an entanglement-based QKD protocol in five dimensions.
MUBs offer security against eavesdropping, while the higher dimensions lead to an increase in information capacity and higher key generation rates per photon. According to the researchers, these results suggest a way forward for faster and more secure quantum communications systems.
Further reading:
Electronic News Digest
News
A brief synopsis of current global news relating to the electronic engineering fields with regards to company finances, general company news, and engineering technologies.
Read more...
4000 A containerised DB for power project
News
Power Process Systems has successfully completed the design, fabrication, and commissioning of a 4000 A containerised distribution board for a wind/PV solar hybrid renewable energy project.
Read more...
Datacentrix Industrial Indaba 2025
News
Datacentrix recently hosted its inaugural Industrial Indaba 2025, where industry leaders explored how digitalisation, resilience, security and compliance are shaping the future of sustainable industrial operations in Africa.
Read more...
RS brings solar light to 150 000 people
RS South Africa
News
The company’s three-year partnership with SolarAid aims to raise £1 million through corporate donations, matched funding, product contributions, and fundraising to accelerate access to safe, sustainable energy.
Read more...
Microchip and AVIVA Links collaboration
Altron Arrow
News
Microchip and AVIVA Links have achieved groundbreaking ASA-ML interoperability, accelerating the shift to open standards for automotive connectivity.
Read more...
World’s leading supplier of grid automation products
News
Hitachi Energy was recognised as the global market share leader in grid automation for electric power transmission and distribution utilities by ARC Advisory Group.
Read more...
Vivashan Muthan appointed as head of export sales and operations at RS South Africa
RS South Africa
News
With a career spanning engineering, business development, and sales leadership across sub-Saharan Africa, Vivashan Muthan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as head of export sales and operations.
Read more...
Google equips university students across Africa with free access to advanced AI tools
News
A 12-month Google AI Pro plan has been launched for students in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to build foundational AI skills.
Read more...
Africa’s space economy projected to be worth $22,6 billion in 2026
News
South Africa is gearing up to be at the forefront of the growth in the space industry, creating thousands of jobs, driving innovation, and boosting the national economy.
Read more...
Distribution partnership with MacDermid Alpha
Testerion
News
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions India Private Limited has announced that as of 01 September 2025 Testerion will be the sole importer and distributor of their products to the South African market.
Read more...
printer friendly version