Archive · 12 Jan 2026
IUCAA Develops PhotonSync for Quantum Networks
Scientists at IUCAA in Pune have created a special technology called PhotonSync.
This technology uses regular telecom fibers to help computers and sensors talk to each other in a very secure way using tiny particles of light called photons.
These photons can carry information over long distances without losing their special quantum properties.
The team has tested this technology over 80 km and plans to extend it to 1000 km.
This breakthrough can help in building a quantum internet, which is like a super-secure network for the future.
The technology has been published in a famous science journal and is being patented.
It's a big step towards making India's communication more advanced and secure.
IUCAA's PQM-lab developed PhotonSync, a technology using normal telecom optical fibers for quantum networks.
PhotonSync transforms ordinary fibers into ultra-stable links for transferring quantum information over long distances.
The technology has been tested over 80 km and aims to scale to 1000 km.
PhotonSync is relevant for twin-field quantum key distribution (TFQKD), a protocol for secure quantum communication.
Applications include enhancing quantum communication, long-distance entanglement, and building a quantum internet.
- Who
- IUCAA's Precision and Quantum Measurement Laboratory (PQM-lab) team, led by Prof. Subhadeep De and Dr. Stanley Johnson, in collaboration with Prof. Anirban Pathak and Dr. Sandeep Mishra from JIIT, Noida.
- What
- Developed PhotonSync, a technology that uses normal telecom optical fibers to build quantum networks.
- When
- The technology has been developed and demonstrated, with plans for further scaling.
- Where
- At IUCAA, Pune, India.
- Why
- To enhance capabilities in quantum communication, long-distance entanglement, and building a quantum internet, among other applications.
- Organization
- Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune
- Technology Developed
- PhotonSync
- Principal Investigator
- Prof. Subhadeep De
- Postdoctoral Fellow
- Dr. Stanley Johnson
- Collaborators
- Prof. Anirban Pathak and Dr. Sandeep Mishra from JIIT, Noida
- Published In
- Communications Physics
- Fiber Length Tested
- 80 km
- Future Goal
- 1000 km