Researcher from K’taka to work on Quantum Cryptography

Team Udayavani, Dec 24, 2018, 5:16 PM IST

Udupi: A researcher from Karnataka has been selected to research in the field of ‘Quantum Cryptography’ which is being done under the ‘Quantum Science and Technology Initiative’ of the union government.

Currently, China leads in quantum cryptography followed by USA and Europe. The central government is aiming to beat China in this field. In this backdrop, the research proposal was put forth. Close to 300 proposals were submitted. Of this, 30 were selected on which as per the proposal of Adimaru Math education council’s proposal of Dr Shrikant who is a researcher at Poornaprajnya Institution of Scientific Research (PPISR) at Devanahalli in Bengaluru has been given the opportunity for research.

Delhi JP Science institution (Dr Anirban Pathak) will be joining hands with PPISR and Rs 2.8 crore will be granted. There are two parts in the proposal according to which, the lab experiments will be managed by the Delhi institution while the physics knowledge has been given to PPISR. The research will be completed by three years.

Dr Shrikanth is originally from Pondicherry. He finished his degree in chemical engineering, then ventured into field of physics and is currently involved in the field of quantum physics. Since 2006, he is conducting research at PPISR. All his work is intellectual. He has already guided several students on various topics of PhD research and has done research in connection to cryptography through two research students.

Though our country is ahead in quantum science, it lags behind in technology. In order to reach any research by any scientist to the general public, it needs to be implemented. For this, the union government will be dedicating Rs 700 crore through the science and technology department.

It’s a proud occasion

“It is a proud fact that PPISR established by Shri Vibudhesha Teertha of Adamaru Math for the development of basic sciences has got the country’s prestigious scheme. By giving free encouragement to the researchers, several important researches are being conducted,” said Dr A B Halageri, PPISR Director.

What is Quantum Cryptography?

Theoretical physics and experimental physics are the two divisions of physics. Quantum mechanics explains everything related to theoretical physics. Addition of mathematics and computer science to this gives birth to quantum cryptography. In other words, this is the latest and most advanced way to send a message through encryption. The message is very small and can be interpreted only by those who know how to understand it. The research being conducted on “Protocols for Methods of Hacking and Designing of Quantum Cryptography” will in future used for all technical communications between countries, war and intelligence purposes.

Fine opportunity

“Quantum is smaller than nano. Hence it is also called extremely small. This is the level of physics which studies the particles of light. The union government has come forward to increase research in this area. In this effort, I have got a fine opportunity,” says Dr Shrikanth, PPISR researcher

Article by Matapady Kumaraswamy translated into English by Aaron Dmello