Quantum key distribution information leakage due to backflashes in single photon avalanche photodiodes
US10666433B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2017 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J2001/442
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A quantum cryptography apparatus and system includes a photon emitter, a photon receiver, a first photodetector, a second photodetector, a first polarization optic, and a second polarization optic. The photon emitter is configured to emit a photon at a wavelength, wherein the photon emitter is coupled to the photon receiver by at least one quantum channel. The photon receiver includes the first polarization optic configured to output a polarization state of the emitted photon. The first photodetector is configured to detect the photon emitted from the output of the first polarization optic. The second photodetector is configured to detect a backflash from the first photodetector. The second polarization optic is between the first photodetector and the second photodetector. The quantum cryptography apparatus may be a quantum key distribution system for characterizing backflashes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.