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,

vsingle photon generation and guidance using advanced materials (a partnership involving IISER Berhampur, IIT Bhubaneswar);

vghost imaging (in  partnership with SOA );

vAdditionally, 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.