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Researchers Simplify Quantum Cryptography

Posted by kdawson on from the again-with-the-bob-and-alice dept.

Stony Stevenson writes "Quantum cryptography, the most secure method of transmitting data, has taken a step closer to mainstream viability with a technique that simplifies the distribution of keys. Researchers at NIST claim that the new 'quantum key distribution' method minimizes the required number of detectors, the most costly components in quantum crypto. Four single-photon detectors are usually required (these cost $20K to $50K each) to send and decode cryptography keys. In the new method, the researchers designed an optical component that reduces the required number of detectors to two. (The article mentions that in later refinements to the published work, they have reduced the requirement to one detector.) The researchers concede that their minimum-detector arrangement cuts transmission rates but point out that the system still works at broadband speeds."

11 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. Quantum Post! by Majik+Sheff · · Score: 5, Funny

    Either this post is first or it isn't. I won't know until I press submit.

    --
    Women are like electronics: you don't know how damaged they are until you try to turn them on.
    1. Re:Quantum Post! by FrYGuY101 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Either this post is first or it isn't. I won't know until I press submit. No fair! You changed the outcome by posting it!
      --
      "If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living."

      - Seneca
    2. Re:Quantum Post! by calmond · · Score: 2, Funny

      Hey, has anyone seen my cat...

    3. Re:Quantum Post! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Heisenberg, leave Schrodinger alone!

    4. Re:Quantum Post! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      And then you find out it actually was your cat, and thus the counselling begins.

  2. Yay! Saved! by SEWilco · · Score: 1, Funny

    With this simplification, thousands of cats are saved from having to deliver code keys.

  3. Oblig XKCD by azakem · · Score: 3, Funny

    Every time I hear about Alice and Bob, I now think of this

  4. Re:What are you doing here by BlockedThreads · · Score: 2, Funny

    It's a summertime Northern Hemisphere and a wintertime Southern Hemisphere. Slice the world the other way and its daytime in one hemisphere and nighttime in the other. And its always dark down here in my parents' basement.

  5. Re:what's the big deal by SeekerDarksteel · · Score: 2, Funny

    Plus with quantum encryption you can utilize lunar wainshafts to feed the unilatral phase dectractors and Karnot-Graham meters.

    ...

    --
    The laws of probability forbid it!
  6. Re:what's the big deal by MrMr · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's not so hard, let me explain:
    spherical numerical analysis techniques: That is standard maths; If you need to compute something involving for instance a cow, you start with "Assume a spherical cow with radius R".
    advanced quantum distribution array matrices: That just your normal quantum distribution array matrices but with the new icons and toolbar.

  7. Thanks to this new breakthrough... by Ihmhi · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...quantum cryptography now requires 30% less cats and 46% fewer radioactive isotopes.

    --
    Random Thoughts From A Diseased Mind (Not For Dummies)