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:

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

Issue Date:

2017-06-14

Research Org.:

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1363747

Patent Number(s):

9680640

Application Number:

14/589,261

Assignee:

Los Alamos National Security, LLC

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

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

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

H04W88/08 - Access point devices

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-06NA25396

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2015 Jan 05

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING