Researchers in Japan succeeded in realizing the world's fastest 100 kbps 40-km-long quantum cryptography key generation, surpassing previous records. Achieved through a newly developed quantum cryptography system adopting a novel method, this key generation enables secure network communication supported by the principles of quantum mechanical physics. The technology could be used for quantum cryptography transmissions in optical networks in metropolitan areas.
The research was conducted by NEC, the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NiCT), and the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). http://www.nec.co.jp
- In June 2004, BBN Technologies announced what it describes as "the world's first quantum cryptography network." The DARPA Quantum Network, which links BBN's campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Harvard University and soon Boston University, uses quantum cryptography to provide extremely high-levels of security for Internet traffic.
- Quantum cryptography, invented by Charles Bennett and Giles Brassard in the 1980s, prepares and transmits single photons of light, through either fiber optic cable or the atmosphere, to distribute cryptographic keys that are used to encrypt and decrypt messages. BBN said this method of securing information is radically different from methods based on mathematical complexity, relying instead on fundamental physical laws. Because very small (quantum) particles are changed by any observation or measurement, eavesdropping on a quantum cryptography system is always detectable.
BBN is developing protocols to pave the way for robust quantum networks on a larger scale by providing "any to any" networking of quantum cryptography through a mesh of passive optical switches and cryptographic key relays. - In March 2004, NEC claimed a new distance record of 150 km for a single photon transmission -- a feat that might enable secure network communication based on principles of quantum mechanical physics. The result was achieved through a newly developed quantum cryptography system consisting of optical planar circuits based on Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) technology. NEC said quantum cryptography transmissions in optical networks could some day to used metropolitan areas for truly secure communications.
