A new well-protected quantum communications system to transmit classified key codes has been developed at a quantum optics technology lab based on the campus of the Moscow Lomonosov State University (MSU). The lab founder is Russia’s Advanced Research Fund (ARF).

“We have solved the problem of creating a national automated protected quantum communications system with provable crypto resistance. In fact, what we talk about is a family of systems that not only enable the transmission of classified key codes but also safeguard against any effort to compromise data integrity and attempt tapping,” said Sergei Kulik, the head of the laboratory.

He said that such systems can be used in civil applications as well, primarily for banking operations. The lab researchers are also working on networked versions of such systems.

ARF opened the quantum optics technology lab in 2014, using the premises of MSU’s Department of Physics.

Set up in October 2012 as the national analog of the U.S.’ DARPA, the Advanced Research Fund is working to back research and development seen as meeting the needs of the Russian military, and is expected to support or put together a leapfrog in science and technology for both military and economic purposes. The Fund is currently working on more than 50 new projects on the premises of 35 dedicated laboratories at Russia’s leading research institutes and academic universities.