SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Due to its inherently unavoidable nature, the addition of quantum noise is an ideal way to mask data for secrecy. Though artificial random noise has been demonstrated as an effective encryption method, it is not truly random and therefore insufficient for blocking the transmission interception of secure data.
Ken Tanizawa and Fumio Futami, from Tamagawa University, Japan, propose a cipher system for quantum noise encryption and decryption applications. Tanizawa will present their technique at the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC), to be held 8-12 March 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center, California, U.S.A.
“Our previous work showed that quantum noise masking was effective to achieve secrecy in optical fiber communication. However, as the microwave frequency is three to five orders of magnitude lower than the optical frequency, the quantum noise masking effect at the microwave frequency is too small to achieve enough secrecy in wireless communications,” Tanizawa said. “We propose utilizing microwave photonics or optical heterodyne to bridge this gap.”
In their proposed method, a multilevel optical signal is generated using a seed key, which is then shifted to a target microwave frequency. When light from a local oscillator is mixed into the multilevel signal, quantum noise is naturally added to a simultaneous detection of the system, creating a level of secrecy by masking the microwave multilevel signal.
Using a seed key shared ahead of time, a legitimate receiver can retrieve the original data. Without the key, a potential eavesdropper cannot accurately measure the transmission.
“Randomness is very important for higher security of the cipher, because eavesdroppers seek a statistical weakness for cryptanalysis,” said Tanizawa. “Quantum noise is theoretically proven to be truly random.”
Tanizawa and Futami tested their method on plain text data two ways: by transmitting the amplified cipher over a short radio frequency cable, and through a wireless link. In both tests, encryption and decryption were shown to achievable with good signal quality and security against signal interception.
“Our cipher system is robust and workable in the real world,” said Tanizawa.
The researchers note their method can be used to handle sensitive data, which will become an even larger issue as wireless communications become more and more ubiquitous.
“In the era of 5G and 6G, we believe that many new applications will appear, and that security will be increasingly important,” Tanizawa said.
These results and additional research will be presented onsite at OFC 2020.
Hear from the Research Team
“Photonic Generation of Quantum Noise Assisted Cipher at Microwave Frequencies for Secure Wireless Links,” K. Tanizawa and F. Futami, Monday, 9 March 2020, Room 1A, 5:15 p.m. PT
Registration Information
Register before 10 February 2020 and save on a full technical conference pass. Credentialed media and analysts who wish to cover OFC 2020 can find registration and other essential information in the OFC media room.
About OFC
The Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition (OFC) is the largest global conference and exhibition for optical communications and networking professionals. For more than 40 years, OFC has drawn attendees from all corners of the globe to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward. OFC includes dynamic business programming, an exhibition of more than 700 companies, and high impact peer-reviewed research that, combined, showcase the trends and pulse of the entire optical networking and communications industry. OFC is managed by The Optical Society (OSA) and co-sponsored by OSA, the IEEE Communications Society (IEEE/ComSoc), and the IEEE Photonics Society. OFC 2020 will be held from 8 - 12 March 2020 at the San Diego Convention Center, California, USA. Follow @OFCConference, learn more at OFC Community LinkedIn, and watch highlights on OFC YouTube.
About The Optical Society
Founded in 1916, The Optical Society (OSA) is the leading professional organization for scientists, engineers, students and business leaders who fuel discoveries, shape real-life applications and accelerate achievements in the science of light. Through world-renowned publications, meetings and membership initiatives, OSA provides quality research, inspired interactions and dedicated resources for its extensive global network of optics and photonics experts. For more information, visit osa.org.