Korea Advanced Materials Supplies Core Modules for Quantum Cryptography Communication Equipment to IDQ

Korea Advanced Materials (formerly PPI), a specialist in optical communication, announced on the 23rd that it is supplying Michelson interferometer modules to IDQ (ID Quantique SA) for their quantum key distribution (QKD) equipment.

A company representative explained, “The Michelson interferometer product is a core component of the QKD system, which delays and splits beams at the transmitter and receiver, and transmits cryptographic key information by controlling the phase of single photons using optical interference phenomena. This technology is essential for enhancing the security and efficiency of quantum encryption.”

IDQ’s QKD equipment has obtained the ‘Security Function Confirmation Certificate’ from institutions under the Ministry of Science and ICT, including the Telecommunications Technology Association (TTA), and has completed final security verification by the National Intelligence Service.

The Security Function Confirmation Certificate is a system where accredited testing organizations verify the safety of information security products based on ‘national security requirements.’ Products with this certification are recognized for high reliability not only by national and public institutions but also in overseas exports. This system is conducted by the National Intelligence Service in cooperation with the Ministry of Science and ICT, with technical support provided by TTA and the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science.

In April 2023, the government introduced the world’s first security verification system for quantum cryptography product lines, completing certification for quantum key management systems (QKMS) and quantum encryption communication (QENC), and most recently for quantum key distribution equipment. This is regarded as completing the security framework for quantum cryptography equipment that is impervious to hacking.

A representative from Korea Advanced Materials stated, “The company’s planar optical waveguide fabrication technology integrates complex optical systems requiring precise alignment onto a two-dimensional plane, solving issues related to arrangement and fixation, and providing stable characteristics even under fine vibrations or external environmental conditions.”

They added, “This technology is implemented on planar substrates such as silicon wafers or quartz glass using semiconductor technology. This enables miniaturization and weight reduction, offering advantages for integration with other optical components.”

According to global market research firm Mind Commerce, the worldwide quantum communication market size is estimated at KRW 3.5998 trillion in 2024 and is projected to reach KRW 24.5793 trillion by 2030. The QKD market is expected to grow from approximately KRW 1.4006 trillion in 2024 at an average annual growth rate of 50%, reaching about KRW 13.4168 trillion by 2030.