Quantum cryptography has become a promise against the important vulnerabilities that quantum computing poses to classical cryptographic systems. In fact, the threat has prompted this industry to develop at such a pace that it’s expected to be worth USD 615.9 million by 2032.
However, the hope of quantum cryptography as a solution against advanced cyber threats doesn’t come without its own set of challenges, particularly around hardware. It’s necessary to develop devices that are accurate, cost-effective, and secure.
Keep reading to discover the main challenges and possible solutions.
Accuracy in photon generation: is it possible?
Precise photon generation is fundamental for Quantum Key Distribution; as it guarantees a safe transmission of information. However, it’s difficult to create single photons on demand.
Specialized sources, such as quantum dots or diamond color centers, are promising but not reliable. Traditional light sources emit photons unpredictably, and environmental factors like temperature or electromagnetic interference can disrupt this process. This is a challenge that experts have been working on for some time.
Recent advancements in photon generation
As we mentioned before, experts in this field have been working to fix the problem of precise photon generation. Progress has been made, despite current limitations:
- Materials like TMDs and hexagonal boron nitride can emit single photons at room temperature with high stability.
- Quantum dots are very promising, as they’re also relatively cheap to produce.
- Placing SPSs in optical cavities improves photon emissions, and there’s been progress in attempting to fine-tune them. Besides, these can integrate with different devices, which makes them even more appealing for quantum cryptography.
Quantum detector sensitivity
Quantum detectors must be highly sensitive to receive and measure quantum signals without mistakes, and this represents another challenge for experts in this field. It’s essential to reduce the errors and interference as much as possible.
Avalanche photodiodes or superconducting nanowire detectors are very sensitive to quantum signals, but unfortunately, these often pick up unwanted background noise, and thermal fluctuations affect them as well. Keeping these systems in controlled environments is challenging and costly for companies.
Related content: Trends for Cryptography in Cyber Security
Hardware challenges for quantum cryptography software
If companies want people to adopt quantum cryptography software, they need to have hardware that is both affordable and scalable. As we’ve established before, the price tag is a problem when manufacturing complex systems and keeping them functional.
Our current digital infrastructure has been designed considering classical encryption methods, and it’s difficult to make both technologies compatible due to the fundamental differences between them. For example, implementing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) often requires entirely new hardware, such as single-photon detectors and quantum channels, which do not align with standard fiber-optic communication systems.
The cost of quantum hardware and the expertise needed to maintain these systems can create a high barrier to entry for many organizations, limiting widespread adoption and making quantum cryptography accessible primarily to large institutions or governments.
There are ongoing efforts to establish interoperability between quantum and classical systems, focusing on creating standards and protocols to make integration smoother. Here are some key initiatives:
- NIST’s post-quantum cryptography standards define quantum-resistant algorithms for seamless adoption in existing infrastructures.
- The ITU-T Y.3800 series outlines frameworks for integrating Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) with classical networks.
- ISO/IEC efforts aim to standardize guidelines for implementing post-quantum cryptographic solutions.
- There are also hybrid systems, that combine classical and quantum-resistant techniques.
Final thoughts
Quantum cryptography promises safety against the vulnerabilities that quantum computing presents. Some challenges cannot be overlooked, such as hardware issues, of course, but innovation and collaboration are very useful in getting over these difficulties.
There are important advances in single-photon sources, materials research and detector technology, and hybrid solutions in the works. In the future, quantum cryptography might be widely adopted.
What do you think?