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Growing Diamonds for Better Information Security

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the homegrown-security dept.

hip2b2 writes "NetworkWorld is running an article that describes how a University of Melbourne research group is developing technology to make fiber optics communications more secure. The technology is based on Quantum Cryptography principles and requires than absolutely only one photon gets sent at any given time. Today, fiber optic systems do not send one photon at a time. They only approximate it. This makes current systems unsuitable for their secure communications technology. Therefore, the group uses artificially grown diamonds to achieve this."

3 of 113 comments (clear)

  1. They wont like this... by flobberchops · · Score: 0, Offtopic

    The diamond cartels wont like this.

    1. Re:They wont like this... by Takari · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Actually, people don't buy diamonds for the shiney-ness. Its because theyre . Cubic zirconium is way cheaper and has a higher index of refraction (its shinier). It's not as popular as diamonds because the diamond cartels market they're stuff as "the real deal." That applies to these artificial diamonds too, so not much is going to change.

    2. Re:They wont like this... by sgant · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Yes, but artificial diamonds don't sell as well as the real deal either. And yes, if you're a gemologist that has training in synthetics, it is possible to find out the "fakes" from the real deals. And of course, when speaking of diamond cartels there really is only one...De Beers, which has an almost total monopoly on the diamond trade.

      But to buy something with zircons instead of diamonds may be just to have something look cool as oppose to an investment, which of course is where the zircons are moreof an attractive purchase. Also, zircons can be brittle and will show abrasions on the facet junctions fairly easily...something you won't get with a real diamond.

      Most of the diamonds that these big discount stores are selling would have been used in saw blades a few years ago. Now they are in jewelry. If you are making a large investment on a diamond, make sure that you are getting a diamond grading report from a reputable gemological laboratory. Preferably from the American Gem Society Gemological Lab, the GIA, Gemological Association of Great Britain, or the Diamond High Counsel (HRD) in Belgium.

      --

      "Leo Fender was in a 'state of grace' when he designed the Stratocaster." -- Paul Reed Smith