May 30 2006
The University of Melbourne has announced a $9 million international joint venture to commercialise anti-eavesdropper technology based on quantum cryptography.
The venture links the Quantum Communications Victoria (QCV) program in the University’s School of Physics with world leading quantum communication production and commercialisation companies, MaqiQ Technologies, Qucor Pty Ltd and Silicon Graphics Inc.
School of Physics scientist and QCV CEO Dr Shane Huntington says the new technology uses a unique diamond-based device that can produce a single photon of light, opening the way to being able to detect eavesdroppers and stop highly sensitive information being intercepted or stolen.
He says the joint venture began after QCV was awarded $3.3m as part of a Strategic Technology Initiative grant from the Department of Innovation Industry and Regional Development to further develop the technology.
The University of Melbourne technology has wide implications for financial institutions, security agencies, governments and individuals who need to communicate sensitive information with total security.
“Eavesdropping is a global problem which causes huge financial losses for security agencies. There is a critical need for Australia to keep up with the rest of the world in internet security,” says Dr Huntington.
He says that according to the FBI, breaches of critical information transmitted through the internet cause losses of millions of dollars worldwide.
“Current communications systems are not foolproof. Hackers or eavesdroppers can extract information from optical fibres without either user being aware eavesdropping has occurred.
“The challenge has been to completely remove all avenues of interception by eavesdroppers.”
Dr Huntington says QCV scientists have also been awarded new funding in a Commonwealth Government International Science Linkages Grant of $480 000 from the Department of Education Science and Training to develop QCV’s diamond-based technology in a collaboration with researchers in USA and Germany.
“This additional grant enhances the research base of the QCV program. In particular, it will help us to find infrared sources of single photons appropriate for the world’s telecommunication networks.”
He says international collaboration in the Australian commercialisation of a quantum technology “will help to kick start the quantum communications industry worldwide”.
The QCV program, established by the Victorian Government, aims to provide prototype single photon sources for industry within the next three years.
“With the support of the State and Federal Governments and our new international and Australian collaborators, the University of Melbourne is leading the way in taking quantum technology from theory to reality,” says Dr Huntington.
http://www.unimelb.edu.au