ITinfo: Quantum Cryptography From Space

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Quantum Cryptography From Space

by Dave Murphy
ISSN 1535-3613

Quantum cryptography may soon be used to encrypt the data transmitted from satellites orbiting high above the earth. Up until recently, quantum cryptography was as much a book exercise as it was a topic for late-night theoretical beer sessions. But all that has changed with the announcement in yesterday's British science weekly, Nature.

Quantum researchers from QinetiQ and Ludwig-Maximilian University report they have successfully transmitted a quantum-encoded message through the air. The transmission was between two mountains in the German Alps, over an open distance of 23.4 km.

The scientists judge it's reasonable to amplify the signal to allow quantum encryption keys to be transmitted to satellites in near-Earth orbit, an altitude of 500-1,000 km.

Dave's Opinion

I've been waiting for many years for a public report of quantum-encrypted data to be transmitted through the air. Should the European scientists be right, it's now possible to encrypt data worldwide with unbreakable security. Part of quantum cryptography's security stems from the interactions that eavesdroppers would have on the encrypted data stream. By viewing the passing light photons, the eavesdroppers will disturb them and change the data they hold. The intended recipient can easily detect the disturbance in the data flow and will know that the data did not arrive intact.

Sounds a bit like science fiction doesn't it? But it's all very factual: looking at light changes the light. Whoo, don't think about it too hard, it will make your head hurt.

If you'd like to know more about quantum cryptography, check the ITinfo archives; there are quite a few articles on the subject.

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References

QinetiQ
Ludwig-Maximilian University
ITinfo
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updated October 4, 2002
http://dgl.com/itinfo/2002/it021004.html