Quantum Cryptography
Security Accomplishment | 1984
IBM researchers: Charles Bennett (IBM), Gilles Brassard
Where the work was done: IBM T.J. Watson Research Center
What we accomplished: From the paper: Quantum Cryptography: Public Key Distribution and Coin Tossing: "When elementary quantum systems, such as polarized photons, are used to transmit digital information, the uncertainty principle gives rise to novel cryptographic phenomena unachievable with traditional transmission media, e.g. a communications channel on which it is impossible in principle to eavesdrop without a high probability of disturbing the transmission in such a way as to be detected. Such a quantum channel can be used in conjunction with with ordinary insecure classical channels to distribute random key information between two users with the assurance that it remains unknown to anyone else, even when the users share no secret information initially."
Related links: Wikipedia Entry on BB84 [Bennett-Brassard 1984] Quantum Cryptography
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