Novel protocol for Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum cryptography, and in particular Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure method to distribute a secret key between two distant authorized partners whose security is based on the laws of physics. Current public key cryptosystems have not been proven to be secure and are based on the computational complexity of evaluating one-way functions. These functions are easily evaluated, but extremely difficult to invert. The problem from a cryptographic point of view is that the existence of a fast algorithm for factorization has not been ruled out; a sudden mathematical breakthrough would make many internet communications completely insecure. A secure cryptosystem can be achieved if one encodes information in a quantum system. To be more precise, quantum mechanics is able to transmit perfectly secure, random keys which can then be used in standard secret-key protocols. SA Photonics will team Dr. Fred Daneshgaran’s team at CSULA to develop Sphinx, the first true-end-to-end Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system. The Sphinx development will augment proven quantum key distribution approaches with novel techniques to improve key rate performance and also enhance security validation. By leveraging Dr. Daneshgaran’s expertise in quantum cryptology in association with SA Photonics extensive experience in developing complex photonics based communication systems, we will be able to develop a true end-to-end system ready for commercial and military use. BENEFIT: Key Distribution by quantum means will provide provably secure communications, enhancing security for the most critical communication links. The Sphinx system will have widespread use, including use in all branches of the military and government, as well as financial and corporate commercial applications.