Communications of the ACM
Quantum Cryptography: Hackers' R.i.p.?
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Researchers from Toshiba and Cambridge University's Cavendish Laboratory say secure quantum communication is possible with practical components for high-speed photon detection. In their paper, "Practical Gigahertz: Quantum Key Distribution Based on Avalanche Photodiodes," the researchers discuss using an attenuated laser as a light source and a compact detector as a decoy protocol to guard against third-party attacks. The erroneous information would confuse all intruders except the compact detector.
"With the present advances, we believe quantum key distribution is now practical for realizing high bandwidth information — theoretically secure communication," the researchers say. The high-speed detectors would receive information at higher key rates, would receive more information faster, and would make quantum key distribution easier to use. The researchers note that secure communication is of considerable interest to governments, banks, and large businesses.
From Institute of Physics
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