Abstract: A quantum random number generation system includes a source of light output as a plurality of coherent states such that each state has an indeterminate number of photons, a photodetector arranged to receive the light output from the light source and to generate a photocurrent dependent on the number of photons in each coherent state, and processing circuitry connected to receive the photocurrent and arranged to convert it to generate a sequence of random numbers.

Abstract: A quantum random number generation system includes a source of light output as a plurality of coherent states such that each state has an indeterminate number of photons, a photodetector arranged to receive the light output from the light source and to generate a photocurrent dependent on the number of photons in each coherent state, and processing circuitry connected to receive the photocurrent and arranged to convert it to generate a sequence of random numbers.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is related to a quantum cryptographic scheme comprising at least one sending unit including a physical means of encoding and distributing a raw key in the quadrature components of quantum coherent states that are continuously modulated in phase and amplitude, at least one receiving unit containing a physical means of performing homodyne detection of the quantum coherent states in order to measure the quadrature components of the states, a quantum channel for connecting the sending unit to the receiving unit, a two-way authenticated public channel for transmitting non-secret messages between the sending unit and the receiving unit, a quantum key distribution protocol ensuring that the information tapped by a potential eavesdropper can be estimated from the quantum channel parameters, and a direct or reverse reconciliation protocol that converts the raw continuous data into a common binary key.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention is related to a quantum cryptographic scheme comprising at least one sending unit including a physical means of encoding and distributing a raw key in the quadrature components of quantum coherent states that are continuously modulated in phase and amplitude, at least one receiving unit containing a physical means of performing homodyne detection of the quantum coherent states in order to measure the quadrature components of the states, a quantum channel for connecting the sending unit to the receiving unit, a two-way authenticated public channel for transmitting non-secret messages between the sending unit and the receiving unit, a quantum key distribution protocol ensuring that the information tapped by a potential eavesdropper can be estimated from the quantum channel parameters, and a direct or reverse reconciliation protocol that converts the raw continuous data into a common binary key.