Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention is a quantum key distribution (QKD) system that overcomes a general class of security attacks adopting faked-state photons, as in the detector-control and, more broadly, the intercept-resend attacks. The unconditional security offered by quantum key distribution (QKD) relies on the laws of quantum physics. The laws dictate that any attempt by an adversary to know about the secret key would inevitably introduce disturbance that alerts the legitimate parties. This ultimate information-theoretic security has been proved for idealized devices. In practice, however, real-life components of QKD systems may deviate from these idealized models or encounter new scenarios offering vulnerabilities that the adversary might use. This invention uses commercial single-photon detectors (SPDs) in a user's receiver. Thus, it is impossible for an intruder to avoid triggering the alert detectors, no matter what faked state of light the intruder uses.
Partnering Opportunity
The research team is seeking partners for licensing and/or research collaboration.
Benefit
Non-genuine "faked" photons can pass through the randomizer only once on the way to the receiver and then are directed on a statistical basis to trigger an alertConsists of on-shelf optical components and devicesMarket Application
Makers and providers of QKD systems
Brochure
