The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 07, 1996
Filed:
Nov. 24, 1993
Charles H Bennett, Croton-on-Hudson, NY (US);
Stephen J Wiesner, Mitzpe Ramon, IL;
International Business Machines Corporation, Armonk, NY (US);
Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses non-orthogonal quantum states to distribute random information, suitable for use as a key for encryption and authentication, between two users who share secret information initially, with the assurance, based on the uncertainty principle, that it is unknown to anyone else. The present invention, which can be used with a fiberoptic channel or an unguided light beam, differs from previous QKD schemes in using macroscopic signals instead of single photons. The invention solves the problem of stray light and cost by using signals which are more efficient, and less noisy than photon-counting detectors at the wavelengths where optical fibers are most transparent.