Abstract: System and methods for synchronizing and aligning quantum channel for Quantum Key Distribution. The primary object of the invention is to allow a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) apparatus to work continuously with only two communication channels, a quantum communication channel and a service channel. This is achieved by linking the clock frequencies of both channels and completed by an over-sampling method for phase synchronization tracking. Clock signal carry is done through data using a clock data recovery encoding techniques. Having a continuous operating QKD system is not possible without a tracking system that enables phase alignment. This synchronization and alignment system and method for QKD has multiple benefits as it allows real-time synchronization with continuous data flow and is not dedicated to a specific quantum protocol.

Abstract: System and methods for synchronizing and aligning quantum channel for Quantum Key Distribution. The primary object of the invention is to allow a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) apparatus to work continuously with only two communication channels, a quantum communication channel and a service channel. This is achieved by linking the clock frequencies of both channels and completed by an over-sampling method for phase synchronization tracking. Clock signal carry is done through data using a clock data recovery encoding techniques. Having a continuous operating QKD system is not possible without a tracking system that enables phase alignment. This synchronization and alignment system and method for QKD has multiple benefits as it allows real-time synchronization with continuous data flow and is not dedicated to a specific quantum protocol.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for synchronizing the receiver and the emitter in an autocompensating quantum cryptography system it is allowed to one of the stations (for example the emitter) to define the timing of all its operations (for example the application of a signal onto the modulator used to encode the values of the bits) as a function of a time reference. This time reference can either be transmitted using a channel from the other station (for example the receiver). It can also consist of a time reference synchronized with that of the other station through using information transmitted along a channel and a synchronization unit. Preferably a time reference unit is provided at each station. One of these time reference units functions as a master, while the other one function as a slave. The slave is synchronized with the master using information transmitted over a communication channel by a synchronization unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process uses a light source to produce a beam which illuminates a detector array. The detectors of the array are associated with random numbers values. Detection of a photon by one of the detectors yields a number whose value is equal to that associated with the detector. This procedure is repeated to produce sequences of true random numbers. The randomness of the numbers stems from the transverse spatial distribution of the detection probability of the photons in the beam. If the array is made up of two detectors, the true random numbers produced are binary numbers. The process can be sped up using an array having pairs of two detectors. Using an array having more than two detectors also allows generating true random numbers of dimension higher than two. The primary object of the invention is to allow generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process uses a light source to produce a beam which illuminates a detector array. The detectors of the array are associated with random numbers values. Detection of a photon by one of the detectors yields a number whose value is equal to that associated with the detector. This procedure is repeated to produce sequences of true random numbers. The randomness of the numbers stems from the transverse spatial distribution of the detection probability of the photons in the beam. If the array comprises two detectors, the true random numbers produced are binary numbers. The process can be sped up using an array having pairs of two detectors. Using an array having more than two detectors also allows generating true random numbers of dimension higher than two. The primary object of the invention is to allow generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process uses a light source to produce a beam which illuminates a detector array. The detectors of the array are associated with random numbers values. Detection of a photon by one of the detectors yields a number whose value is equal to that associated with the detector. This procedure is repeated to produce sequences of true random numbers. The randomness of the numbers stems from the transverse spatial distribution of the detection probability of the photons in the beam. If the array comprises two detectors, the true random numbers produced are binary numbers. The process can be sped up using an array having pairs of two detectors. Using an array having more than two detectors also allows generating true random numbers of dimension higher than two. The primary object of the invention is to allow generating true random numbers by way of a quantum optics process.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for synchronizing the receiver and the emitter in an autocompensating quantum cryptography system it is allowed to one of the stations (for example the emitter) to define the timing of all its operations (for example the application of a signal onto the modulator used to encode the values of the bits) as a function of a time reference. This time reference can either be transmitted using a channel from the other station (for example the receiver). It can also consist of a time reference synchronized with that of the other station through using information transmitted along a channel and a synchronization unit. Preferably a time reference unit is provided at each station. One of these time reference units functions as a master, while the other one function as a slave. The slave is synchronized with the master using information transmitted over a communication channel by a synchronization unit.