Systems and methods of enhancing QKD security using a heralded photon source
US7502476B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2005 |
| Grant date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S40/20
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and method of enhancing the security of a QKD system having operably coupled QKD stations (Alice, Bob) using correlated photon pulses (P1, P2) are disclosed. The method includes generating the correlated photon pulses at Alice and detecting one of the pulses (P2) to determine the number of photons in the other pulse (P1). Pulse P1 is then randomly modulated to form a modulated pulse P1′, which is transmitted to Bob. Bob then randomly modulates pulses P1′ to form twice-modulated pulses P1″. Bob then detects pulses P1″ at select timing slots that correspond to the expected arrival times of pulses P1″, as well as to the number of photons in pulse P1 (and thus in P1″). Bob then communicates with Alice to determine the number N1 of single-photon pulses P1″ detected and the number N2 of multi-photon pulses P1″ detected. A security parameter (SP) is defined based on the probabilities of detecting single-photon and multi-photon pulses. Actual numbers of detected single-photon and multi-photon pulses are then compared to the security parameter to assess whether an eavesdropper is or could be interfering with the QKD process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.