Quantum cryptography promises to be far more secure and impossible to tap unnoticed. With the foreseeable development of more powerful quantum computers, the protection of sensitive communication from this new technology is also of great importance. The quantum crypto system from Quantum Optics Jena, which will be available to OTH Regensburg from now on, will be used to research questions of quantum communication and data encryption in the quantum age.
"The question is, are we involved or are we not? And we in Bavaria have decided that we want to be involved," said Minister of State Markus Blume, emphasizing the important role that quantum research plays in Bavaria. This is not only a question of future security, but also of future prosperity and shows why projects such as Munich Quantum Valley are so important.
Prof. Wolfgang Mauerer, who holds the MQV research professorship "Quantum Algorithms and Quantum Informatics" at OTH Regensburg, also emphasizes his joy at being able to contribute to research activities in the field of quantum technologies as part of MQV and funded by Hightech Agenda Bayern and briefly introduces the work of OTH Regensburg. As a technical college, the translation of basic research into marketable products and applications is one of the strengths of OTH Regensburg. With the new quantum communication system, the university will be able to "move into new spheres" in the future. The system will enable students to generate – and disrupt – quantum-encrypted messages themselves and will be integrated into current infrastructure security research.
Markus Blume and Prof. Mauerer finally put the system into operation together. The screen shows how the system starts up and data can be transferred. After a short calibration phase, the system is up and running, a secure quantum tunnel is activated and data transmission takes place. Markus Blume is then given the special task of disrupting the system by pressing a button – "it looks like a steam engine". The secure connection is briefly interrupted and then quickly re-established. Quantum mechanics makes it possible to find out whether the communication has been intercepted. "That was really very impressive. I'm looking forward to the next results," said Minister of State Blume, concluding this first demonstration.