High-rate quantum key distribution scheme relying on continuously phase and amplitude-modulated coherent light pulses
US7403623B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jul 22, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0858
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
One aspect of the present invention is related to a quantum cryptographic scheme comprising at least one sending unit including a physical means of encoding and distributing a raw key in the quadrature components of quantum coherent states that are continuously modulated in phase and amplitude, at least one receiving unit containing a physical means of performing homodyne detection of the quantum coherent states in order to measure the quadrature components of the states, a quantum channel for connecting the sending unit to the receiving unit, a two-way authenticated public channel for transmitting non-secret messages between the sending unit and the receiving unit, a quantum key distribution protocol ensuring that the information tapped by a potential eavesdropper can be estimated from the quantum channel parameters, and a direct or reverse reconciliation protocol that converts the raw continuous data into a common binary key.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.