Cryptology ePrint Archive: Report 2014/146

Untappable communication channels over optical fibers from quantum-optical noise

Geraldo A. Barbosa and Jeroen van de Graaf

Abstract: Coherent light, as produced by lasers, gives rise to an intrinsic noise, known as quantum noise, optical noise or shot noise. AlphaEta is a protocol which exploits this physical phenomenon to obtain secure data encryption or key distribution over a fiber-optic channel in the presence of an eavesdropper. In this paper we focus on the cryptographic aspects of AlphaEta and its variants. Moreover, we propose a new protocol for which we can provide a rigorous proof that the eavesdropper obtains neglible information. In comparison to single-photon quantum cryptography, AlphaEta provide much higher throughputs combined with a well-known technology.

Category / Keywords: applications / AlphaEta, quantum-optical noise, fiber optics, key distribution

Date: received 26 Feb 2014

Contact author: jvdg ufmg at gmail com

Available format(s): PDF | BibTeX Citation

Note: Submission to ACNS 2014, with minor modifications

Version: 20140227:032700 (All versions of this report)

Short URL: ia.cr/2014/146

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