Thematic meeting on "Current and Future Applications of Quantum Science"

 

The Centre of Excellence in Nano Science and Technology for Development of Sensors (CoENSTds) at Berhampur University organized a high level thematic meeting on 24th January  2025 titled "Current and Future Applications of Quantum Science". The primary objective of the gathering was to draft a comprehensive proposal to the Department of Higher Education , Government of Odisha , for the establishment of a dedicated Centre for Quantum Technology at the university .

 

The first session was chaired by Prof. Sukanta Kumar Tripathy, Coordinator of CoENSTds and Chairman , PGC Berhampur University. The technical sessions began with a keynote by Prof. Prasanta Kumar Panigrahi (ITER , SOA Bhubaneswar), who delved into the theoretical depths of quantum computing fundamentals, specifically the double-slit and "which way" experiments. Prof. Rajan Jha ( IIT Bhubaneswar ) discussed optical fiber-based quantum emitters and their future applications in quantum secure networking. Prof. Tapan Mishra (NISER Bhubaneswar ) presented on dynamic bound states as a unit of quantum information , followed by Prof. Simanchalo Panigrahi ( NIST University, Berhampur) who outlined the critical features of quantum computing . The session was attended by faculty members, research scholars, and PG students from the Department of Physics .

 

The second half featured an intensive brainstorming session regarding the development of the proposed centre, chaired by Prof.  P.K. Panigrahi. Distinguished speakers presented diverse applications for the proposed facility: Prof. Shashi Bhushan Singh and Prof. Ajay Perumal ( IISER Berhampur) discussed using 2D and perovskite materials to enhance photon properties. Prof. Munmun Chakraborty ( CDAC Kolkata ) highlighted Quantum enhanced Machine Learning techniques for medical image processing and segmentation. Prof. Shuvendu Jena ( BARC Mumbai ) and Mentor Prof. Naba Kishore Sahoo emphasized the importance of tomography and imaging. The panel also included contributions from distinguished guests Prof. Swarupananda Pradhan ( BARC Visakhapatnam ) , Dr. Gyana Ranjan Sahoo (ITER, SOA) , and Dr. Sushanta Pal ( ITER, SOA).

 

Concluding the event, Prof. Sukanta Tripathy presented the current roadmap for CoENSTds, outlining plans to develop a Quantum Random Number Generator ( QRNG ) prototype. He placed special emphasis on bridging the gap between academic research and practical utility, stating the goal is to create products a layman can utilize and understand the importace of Quantum Technology  , moving the focus beyond just academic  papers to developing products.The meeting paved the way for collaborative research initiatives in three primary domains,

•       single photon generation and guidance using advanced materials (a partnership involving IISER Berhampur, IIT Bhubaneswar);
•       ghost imaging (in  partnership with SOA );
•     Additionally, a consortium comprising SOA, NIST, CDAC Kolkata, and BU was proposed to spearhead basic research in quantum information processing and Quantum Algorithms .

 The meeting concluded with a consensus to expedite the proposal to the state government.