Quantum key distribution method and apparatus
US7864958B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 17, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F7/588
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A quantum key distribution (QKD) method involves the sending of random data from a QKD transmitter to a QKD receiver over a quantum signal channel, and the QKD transmitter and receiver respectively processing the data transmitted and received over the quantum signal channel in order to seek to derive a common random data set. This processing is effected with the aid of messages exchanged between QKD transmitter and receiver over an insecure classical communication channel. The processing concludes with a check, effected by an exchange of authenticated messages over the classical communication channel, that the QKD transmitter and receiver have derived the same random data set. At least some of the other messages exchanged during processing are exchanged without authentication and integrity checking. A QKD transmitter and QKD receiver are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.