Quantum key distribution using card, base station and trusted authority

US9680641B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jane Elizabeth Nordholt · Los Alamos, US
• Richard John Hughes · Los Alamos, US
• Raymond Thorson Newell · Santa Fe, US
• Charles Glen Peterson · Los Alamos, US
• Danna Rosenberg · Arlington, US
• Kevin McCabe · Santa Fe, US
• Kush T. Tyagi · Los Alamos, US
• Nicholas Dallmann · Los Alamos, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 6, 2015
• Grant date: Jun 13, 2017
• Expiry date: Apr 6, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H04L9/3231
• WIPO field: Digital communication
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Techniques and tools for quantum key distribution (“QKD”) between a quantum communication (“QC”) card, base station and trusted authority are described herein. In example implementations, a QC card contains a miniaturized QC transmitter and couples with a base station. The base station provides a network connection with the trusted authority and can also provide electric power to the QC card. When coupled to the base station, after authentication by the trusted authority, the QC card acquires keys through QKD with a trust authority. The keys can be used to set up secure communication, for authentication, for access control, or for other purposes. The QC card can be implemented as part of a smart phone or other mobile computing device, or the QC card can be used as a fillgun for distribution of the keys.