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:
From the Editor's desk: Growth through inclusivity
Technews Publishing
News
As the engineering fields in South Africa continue to make progress toward gender equality, we are finally starting to see the presence and contribution of women in engineering and industrial roles.
Read more...
KITE 2025 proves its value
News
The KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) 2025 confirmed its place as KwaZulu-Natal’s must-attend industrial event, drawing thousands of industry professionals.
Read more...
Otto Wireless Solutions announces promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to technical director
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions is proud to announce the promotion of Miyelani Kubayi to the position of technical director, effective 1 August 2025.
Read more...
DMASS experiences continued slowdown
News
The European electronic components distribution market continued its downward trajectory in the second quarter of 2025, according to new figures released by DMASS.
Read more...
World-first zero second grid-to-backup power switch
News
JSE-listed cable manufacturer, South Ocean Electric Wire, has completed a solar installation it says marks a global first: a seamless switch from grid to backup power in zero seconds.
Read more...
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
Cobots for opto production line
News
OMC deploys cobots to improve throughput 10x, while maintaining quality and ensuring consistency of fibre optic production.
Read more...
SACEEC celebrates standout industrial innovation on the KITE 2025 show floor
News
Exhibitor innovation took the spotlight at the KITE 2025 as the South African Capital Equipment Export Council announced the winners of its prestigious New Product & Innovation Awards.
Read more...
SA team for International Olympiad in Informatics
News
The Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa has named the team that will represent South Africa at this year’s International Olympiad in Informatics.
Read more...
Anritsu and Bluetest to support OTA measurement
News
Anritsu Company and Sweden-based Bluetest AB have jointly developed an Over-The-Air measurement solution to evaluate the performance of 5G IoT devices compliant with the RedCap specification.
Read more...
printer friendly version