Quantum key distribution apparatus and method
US8054976B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2006 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 9, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L2209/80
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A quantum key distribution (QKD) system is provided that makes use of a quantum signal of polarized photons and comprises a QKD device and complimentary QKD apparatus. The QKD device has a QKD subsystem comprising one of a QKD transmitter and receiver for inter-working with a complimentary QKD receiver or transmitter of said apparatus. The device also has an alignment subsystem arranged to wirelessly interact with the QKD apparatus to enable generation of user feedback and/or adjustment signals for use in aligning the QKD transmitter and receiver such that the QKD transmitter is pointing at the QKD receiver and the polarization axes of the QKD transmitter and receiver are aligned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.