Quantum Key Distribution

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows two parties to establish a shared secret key, secure against all-powerful adversaries.  This is accomplished through careful use of both quantum and classical communication and computational processes.  One needs the ability to send and receive quantum states (or qubits); however, one also needs classical post-processing algorithms to transform the raw data produced by the quantum devices into a usable secret key.

This project is to design a complete QKD software stack needed to perform this transformation.  Its goal is to be a complete, and modular, package allowing for easy of use with different QKD protocols.  In particular, one may write alternative sifting modules for the specific QKD protocol in use; feed raw quantum data into this module, while utilizing the pre-written error correction and privacy amplification modules to distill secret key material from the quantum device.

For more information, you are invited to read our survey paper:

O. Amer, V. Garg, and W.O. Krawec. An Introduction to Practical Quantum Key Distribution. Under submission. Pre-print available: (PDF)

This project is supported by the Comcast Center of Excellence for Security Innovation (CSI).