Title: Secure multi-party communication with quantum key distribution managed by trusted authority

Abstract

Techniques and tools for implementing protocols for secure multi-party communication after quantum key distribution ("QKD") are described herein. In example implementations, a trusted authority facilitates secure communication between multiple user devices. The trusted authority distributes different quantum keys by QKD under trust relationships with different users. The trusted authority determines combination keys using the quantum keys and makes the combination keys available for distribution (e.g., for non-secret distribution over a public channel). The combination keys facilitate secure communication between two user devices even in the absence of QKD between the two user devices. With the protocols, benefits of QKD are extended to multi-party communication scenarios. In addition, the protocols can retain benefit of QKD even when a trusted authority is offline or a large group seeks to establish secure communication within the group.

Inventors:

Nordholt, Jane Elizabeth; Hughes, Richard John; Peterson, Charles Glen

Issue Date:

2013-07-09

Research Org.:

Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1087902

Patent Number(s):

8483394

Application Number:

12/895,367

Assignee:

Los Alamos National Security, LLC (Los Alamos, NM)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04L - TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04W - WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

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H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04L - TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

H04L9/0852 - {Quantum cryptography
H04L9/3236 - {using cryptographic hash functions}
H04L9/3226 - {using a predetermined code, e.g. password, passphrase or PIN
H04L9/083 - {involving central third party, e.g. key distribution center [KDC] or trusted third party [TTP]}
H04L63/062 - {for key distribution, e.g. centrally by trusted party

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04W - WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS

H04W88/08 - Access point devices

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04L - TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

H04L2209/38 - Chaining, e.g. hash chain or certificate chain

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-06NA25396

Resource Type:

Patent

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS; 47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION