Quantum Cryptography - A New Perspective for Digital Security?

Max-Planck-Forum Berlin

  • Date: Jun 16, 2015
  • Time: 07:00 PM - 08:30 PM (Local Time Germany)
  • Speaker: Prof. Dr. Gerd Leuchs (MPI für die Physik des Lichts), Prof. Dr. Robert W. Boyd (University Ottawa)
  • Location: Embassy of Canada, Leipziger Platz 17, 10117 Berlin
  • Host: Max Planck Society in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada
  • Contact: mpgberlin@gv.mpg.de
Quantum Cryptography - A New Perspective for Digital Security?
The science of light is the basis for key technologies, which have already produced a whole host of applications. One of the most commercially promising areas of photonics research is the communications sector. Laser-equipped satellites are a highly promising candidate for global quantum communication, which could bring about a revolution in IT security. What are the prospects of this new technology?

From lasers used in medicine to high-performance microscopy - all these applications are based on a deep understanding of the physical nature of photons. Acquiring greater knowledge about light can help enable its targeted deployment as a tool. In telecommunication, highly sophisticated fibre-optics networks carrying laser-produced data packets have become the standard means of communication. Research institutes have also recently begun installing intelligent quantum networks, which could bring about a revolution in IT security. Laser-equipped satellites are a highly promising candidate for global quantum communication. 

While IT specialists are seeking to develop increasingly more effective encryption methods based on algorithms, physicists appear to be already one step ahead. Using quantum mechanics, they are developing encryption techniques that make use of the physical properties of light to send completely tap-proof messages.

Canada and Germany are leading players in photonic research and are undertaking various joint research initiatives, including some in the field of quantum cryptography. The forum will explore the basic principles, problems and prospects of this new technology. Is it still in its infancy, or can we anticipate major changes in IT security? Where are Canada and Germany in this race? What is required to maintain a lead over the competition in the long-term?

 

Discussion participants:

Prof. Dr. Gerd Leuchs, Director at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen

Prof. Dr. Robert W. Boyd, Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Quantum Nonlinear Optics, University of Ottawa

Dr. Stefan Seel, Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG, Backnang

 

Moderator:

Ralf Krauter, Science Journalist (Deutschlandfunk)

 

You are cordially invited to a reception after the panel discussion.

For security reasons, we kindly request you to register with your full name and your organization by June 11. Email: mpgberlin@gv.mpg.de

Please bring along a valid ID with photo and allow sufficient time for security checks. Doors will open at 6:15 p.m.

We regret that large bags and parcels cannot be brought into the Embassy.

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