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Quantum Dots Offer Potential for a Secure Internet

Photo by Steve Jurvetson, From flickr

Quantum Dots Offer Potential for a Secure Internet

Reading time: 2 min

Posted on Jul 12, 2024

Written by: Kiara Fabbri Multimedia Journalist
Fact-Checked by Justyn Newman Head Content Manager

Researchers from Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), and the University of Stuttgart, recently published a new method for secure communication in the quantum age. Their innovation utilizes semiconductor quantum dots and quantum key distribution (QKD) to enhance how sensitive information is shielded from cyber threats.

According to Phys.Org, traditional encryption relies on complex mathematical algorithms. However, with the rise of quantum computers, these methods are becoming increasingly vulnerable. This is because quantum computers can potentially crack these algorithms much faster than regular computers.

The German research team, led by Professor Fei Ding from Leibniz University, has addressed this challenge by utilizing semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), also known as ‘artificial atoms’, and quantum key distribution (QKD) .

According to Interesting Engineering, QKD offers a secure way to exchange encryption keys between parties. It relies on the principles of quantum mechanics to generate unbreakable keys, even by the most powerful quantum computers. This method uses single photons to carry these keys, and any attempt to intercept the transmission will introduce errors, immediately detectable by the parties involved.

However, implementing large-scale QKD networks has been hindered by limitations in current single-photon sources. This research team addressed this challenge by utilizing QDs as their photon source.

This innovative approach enabled them to achieve high secure key transmission rates over a distance of 49 miles (79 kilometers) between Hannover and Braunschweig.
This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of using quantum dots for secure, long-distance communication.

Kiara Fabbri

Written by: Kiara Fabbri

Hi, I’m Kiara Fabbri a Tech News Writer at WizCase. I'm a multimedia journalist with a keen interest in innovative and immersive news storytelling. Fluent in three languages—Italian, English, and Spanish—I'm deeply engaged in all facets of news reporting. I am currently undertaking a Ph.D. exploring VR applications in journalism. Following my studies in psychology (BSc) and political psychology (MSc), I embarked on a three-year journey across South America. During this time, I undertook a 4000 km solo bicycle trip from Chile to Brazil. There, I camped, cooked on the road, and volunteered in various facilities. It was during these travels that I discovered my passion for journalism. Subsequently, I pursued a Master's program in journalism innovation and enterprise. My career in journalism has seen me produce VR immersive experiences covering a range of topics. These include documenting an Anti Militaristic raid of a NATO Base, life in the Brazilian Favelas, the recent violent protest clashes in Buenos Aires and finally social projects run by Skaters in the Argentinian ghettos. In addition to my journalistic endeavours, I also practice parkour, a discipline I have cultivated over several years now. I love to make the most of this skill in my journalistic style; for example, it has enabled me to capture dynamic footage from heights during the recent violent clashes in Buenos Aires. There, I scaled heights and employed a long stick on my camera to create aerial 360° views. Through my dedication to pushing the boundaries of journalism, I am committed to amplifying voices, sparking meaningful conversations, and driving positive change in the world.

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