German Aerospace Center and University of Ulm announce 'eavesdrop-proof' quantum communications
ULM, Germany - The German Aerospace Center (Deutsche Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and Ulm University have successfully started operating a joint quantum communication network. On 27 January 2025, Ulm researchers demonstrated the tap-proof transmission of computer data using Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). In this process, a 'quantum key' for encrypting and decrypting data was generated and transmitted via a fiber optic cable from the university campus to DLR and back. During the demonstration, the researchers also simulated an eavesdropping attack, DLR reports. Continue reading original article.
The Military & Aerospace Electronics take:
30 January 2025 - Researchers from Ulm University and DLR demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) by securely transmitting encrypted medical data between two computers. Unlike conventional encryption, which could be broken by future quantum computers, QKD uses quantum objects—such as photons—to generate and share encryption keys. In this experiment, laser light quanta traveled via fiber optics over five kilometers. The project, developed with Quantum Optics Jena, highlights QKD’s potential for securing sensitive data, including critical infrastructure.
"The sender and receiver then jointly generate the quantum key for encryption and decryption. To do this, they transfer its information into the quantum physical states of individual photons," explains Matthias Zimmermann from the DLR Institute of Quantum Technologies in Ulm.
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Jamie Whitney, Senior Editor
Military + Aerospace Electronics
