Patents by Inventor Jane E. Nordholt
Jane E. Nordholt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11743049Abstract: Message authenticators for quantum-secured communications facilitate low-latency authentication with assurances of security. Low-latency message authenticators are especially valuable in infrastructure systems where security and latency constraints are difficult to satisfy with conventional non-quantum cryptography. For example, a message transmitter receives a message and derives an authentication tag for the message based at least in part on an authenticator that uses one or more quantum keys. The message transmitter outputs the message and its authentication tag. A message receiver receives a message and authentication tag for the message. The message receiver derives a comparison tag for the message based at least in part on an authenticator that uses one or more quantum keys. The message receiver checks whether the message is authentic based on a comparison of the authentication tag and the comparison tag. In example implementations, the authenticator uses stream-wise cyclic redundancy code operations.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2020Date of Patent: August 29, 2023Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Richard J. Hughes, Jane E. Nordholt, Charles G. Peterson, Kush T. Tyagi, Christopher C. Wipf, Raymond T. Newell, Kevin P. McCabe, Nicholas Dallmann
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Patent number: 10972189Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2020Date of Patent: April 6, 2021Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Publication number: 20200266977Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2020Publication date: August 20, 2020Applicant: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Publication number: 20200252215Abstract: Message authenticators for quantum-secured communications facilitate low-latency authentication with assurances of security. Low-latency message authenticators are especially valuable in infrastructure systems where security and latency constraints are difficult to satisfy with conventional non-quantum cryptography. For example, a message transmitter receives a message and derives an authentication tag for the message based at least in part on an authenticator that uses one or more quantum keys. The message transmitter outputs the message and its authentication tag. A message receiver receives a message and authentication tag for the message. The message receiver derives a comparison tag for the message based at least in part on an authenticator that uses one or more quantum keys. The message receiver checks whether the message is authentic based on a comparison of the authentication tag and the comparison tag. In example implementations, the authenticator uses stream-wise cyclic redundancy code operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2020Publication date: August 6, 2020Applicant: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Richard J. Hughes, Jane E. Nordholt, Charles G. Peterson, Kush T. Tyagi, Christopher C. Wipf, Raymond T. Newell, Kevin P. McCabe, Nicholas Dallmann
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Patent number: 10587402Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2 n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2018Date of Patent: March 10, 2020Assignee: Triad National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Publication number: 20180343116Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2 n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2018Publication date: November 29, 2018Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Patent number: 10044504Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: August 7, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Publication number: 20180198608Abstract: Multiple bit values can be encoded on a single photon in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system using a plurality of sidebands of an optical carrier frequency. Computational and conjugate bases can be defined, and photons decoded based on a selected state from either basis. If n sidebands are available, as many as log2 n bits can be encoded on a single photon. Errors in detected bit values due to selection of an incorrect basis state or other errors can be at least partially corrected by bit distillation to identity bit strings for which a transmitter and a receiver record the same values, without insecure transmission of these values.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2014Publication date: July 12, 2018Inventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, Raymond T. Newell, Charles G. Peterson, Rolando D. Somma
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Patent number: 9887976Abstract: Multi-factor authentication using quantum communication (“QC”) includes stages for enrollment and identification. For example, a user enrolls for multi-factor authentication that uses QC with a trusted authority. The trusted authority transmits device factor information associated with a user device (such as a hash function) and user factor information associated with the user (such as an encrypted version of a user password). The user device receives and stores the device factor information and user factor information. For multi-factor authentication that uses QC, the user device retrieves its stored device factor information and user factor information, then transmits the user factor information to the trusted authority, which also retrieves its stored device factor information.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Richard John Hughes, Charles Glen Peterson, James T. Thrasher, Jane E. Nordholt, Jon T. Yard, Raymond Thorson Newell, Rolando D. Somma
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Patent number: 9819418Abstract: Security is increased in quantum communication (QC) systems lacking a true single-photon laser source by encoding a transmitted optical signal with two or more decoy-states. A variable attenuator or amplitude modulator randomly imposes average photon values onto the optical signal based on data input and the predetermined decoy-states. By measuring and comparing photon distributions for a received QC signal, a single-photon transmittance is estimated. Fiber birefringence is compensated by applying polarization modulation. A transmitter can be configured to transmit in conjugate polarization bases whose states of polarization (SOPs) can be represented as equidistant points on a great circle on the Poincaré sphere so that the received SOPs are mapped to equidistant points on a great circle and routed to corresponding detectors.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Charles Glen Peterson, Raymond Thorson Newell, Richard John Hughes
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Patent number: 9680641Abstract: Techniques and tools for quantum key distribution (“QKD”) between a quantum communication (“QC”) card, base station and trusted authority are described herein. In example implementations, a QC card contains a miniaturized QC transmitter and couples with a base station. The base station provides a network connection with the trusted authority and can also provide electric power to the QC card. When coupled to the base station, after authentication by the trusted authority, the QC card acquires keys through QKD with a trust authority. The keys can be used to set up secure communication, for authentication, for access control, or for other purposes. The QC card can be implemented as part of a smart phone or other mobile computing device, or the QC card can be used as a fillgun for distribution of the keys.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: June 13, 2017Assignee: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard John Hughes, Raymond Thorson Newell, Charles Glen Peterson, Danna Rosenberg, Kevin Peter McCabe, Kush T. Tyagi, Nicholas Dallmann
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Publication number: 20160065365Abstract: Techniques and tools for quantum key distribution (“QKD”) between a quantum communication (“QC”) card, base station and trusted authority are described herein. In example implementations, a QC card contains a miniaturized QC transmitter and couples with a base station. The base station provides a network connection with the trusted authority and can also provide electric power to the QC card. When coupled to the base station, after authentication by the trusted authority, the QC card acquires keys through QKD with a trust authority. The keys can be used to set up secure communication, for authentication, for access control, or for other purposes. The QC card can be implemented as part of a smart phone or other mobile computing device, or the QC card can be used as a fillgun for distribution of the keys.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2015Publication date: March 3, 2016Applicant: Los Alamos National Security, LLCInventors: Jane E. NORDHOLT, Richard John HUGHES, Raymond Thorson NEWELL, Charles Glen PETERSON, Danna ROSENBERG, Kevin Peter MCCABE, Kush T. TYAGI, Nicholas DALLMANN
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Publication number: 20150236791Abstract: Security is increased in quantum communication (QC) systems lacking a true single-photon laser source by encoding a transmitted optical signal with two or more decoy-states. A variable attenuator or amplitude modulator randomly imposes average photon values onto the optical signal based on data input and the predetermined decoy-states. By measuring and comparing photon distributions for a received QC signal, a single-photon transmittance is estimated. Fiber birefringence is compensated by applying polarization modulation. A transmitter can be configured to transmit in conjugate polarization bases whose states of polarization (SOPs) can be represented as equidistant points on a great circle on the Poincaré sphere so that the received SOPs are mapped to equidistant points on a great circle and routed to corresponding detectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: August 20, 2015Inventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Charles Glen Peterson, Raymond Thorson Newell, Richard John Hughes
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Publication number: 20150222619Abstract: Multi-factor authentication using quantum communication (“QC”) includes stages for enrollment and identification. For example, a user enrolls for multi-factor authentication that uses QC with a trusted authority. The trusted authority transmits device factor information associated with a user device (such as a hash function) and user factor information associated with the user (such as an encrypted version of a user password). The user device receives and stores the device factor information and user factor information. For multi-factor authentication that uses QC, the user device retrieves its stored device factor information and user factor information, then transmits the user factor information to the trusted authority, which also retrieves its stored device factor information.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: August 6, 2015Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLCInventors: Richard John Hughes, Charles Glen Peterson, James T. Thrasher, Jane E. Nordholt, Jon T. Yard, Raymond Thorson Newell, Rolando D. Somma
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Publication number: 20150188701Abstract: A protocol processor for exchange of messages in a quantum cryptographic system includes a common database for message parameter storage. Message exchanges between user stations are based on parameters extracted from messages and stored, and subsequently retrieved and inserted into new messages.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 16, 2013Publication date: July 2, 2015Inventors: Jane E. Nordholt, Richard John Hughes, Jane Marie Riese, Christine Marie Ahrens, Charles Glen Peterson, James William Harrington
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Patent number: 6748083Abstract: A quantum cryptography apparatus securely generates a key to be used for secure transmission between a sender and a receiver connected by an atmospheric transmission link. A first laser outputs a timing bright light pulse; other lasers output polarized optical data pulses after having been enabled by a random bit generator. Output optics transmit output light from the lasers that is received by receiving optics. A first beam splitter receives light from the receiving optics, where a received timing bright light pulse is directed to a delay circuit for establishing a timing window for receiving light from the lasers and where an optical data pulse from one of the lasers has a probability of being either transmitted by the beam splitter or reflected by the beam splitter. A first polarizer receives transmitted optical data pulses to output one data bit value and a second polarizer receives reflected optical data pulses to output a second data bit value.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2001Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Richard J. Hughes, William T. Buttler, Steve K. Lamoreaux, George L. Morgan, Jane E. Nordholt, C. Glen Peterson, Paul G. Kwiat
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Publication number: 20010055389Abstract: A quantum cryptography apparatus securely generates a key to be used for secure transmission between a sender and a receiver connected by an atmospheric transmission link. A first laser outputs a timing bright light pulse; other lasers output polarized optical data pulses after having been enabled by a random bit generator. Output optics transmit output light from the lasers that is received by receiving optics. A first beam splitter receives light from the receiving optics, where a received timing bright light pulse is directed to a delay circuit for establishing a timing window for receiving light from the lasers and where an optical data pulse from one of the lasers has a probability of being either transmitted by the beam splitter or reflected by the beam splitter. A first polarizer receives transmitted optical data pulses to output one data bit value and a second polarizer receives reflected optical data pulses to output a second data bit value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2001Publication date: December 27, 2001Inventors: Richard J. Hughes, William T. Buttler, Steve K. Lamoreaux, George L. Morgan, Jane E. Nordholt, C. Glen Peterson
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Patent number: 5966224Abstract: Apparatus and method for secure communication between an earth station and spacecraft. A laser outputs single pulses that are split into preceding bright pulses and delayed attenuated pulses, and polarized. A Pockels cell changes the polarization of the polarized delayed attenuated pulses according to a string of random numbers, a first polarization representing a "1," and a second polarization representing a "0." At the receiving station, a beamsplitter randomly directs the preceding bright pulses and the polarized delayed attenuated pulses onto longer and shorter paths, both terminating in a beamsplitter which directs the preceding bright pulses and a first portion of the polarized delayed attenuated pulses to a first detector, and a second portion of the polarized delayed attenuated pulses to a second detector to generate a key for secure communication between the earth station and the spacecraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 1997Date of Patent: October 12, 1999Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Richard J. Hughes, William T. Buttler, Paul G. Kwiat, Gabriel G. Luther, George L Morgan, Jane E. Nordholt, Charles G. Peterson, Charles M. Simmons
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Patent number: 5168158Abstract: A mass spectrometer and methods for mass spectrometry. The apparatus is compact and of low weight and has a low power requirement, making it suitable for use on a space satellite and as a portable detector for the presence of substances. High mass resolution measurements are made by timing ions moving through a gridless cylindrically symmetric linear electric field.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 1991Date of Patent: December 1, 1992Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: David J. McComas, Jane E. Nordholt