Enormous progress has been made on quantum computers in recent years. Once they are available, current public key cryptography systems, including those used to send a credit card number over the internet securely, will become insecure.
Fortunately, quantum particles can also be used for new methods of encryption that offer some advantages over classical ones. Not only is has the feasibility of quantum key distribution (QKD) been demonstrated, first generation QKD devices are available commercially.
This talk on the basics of QKD is intended for high school students. No prior knowledge of quantum theory is needed and no higher level mathematics is used.
Mary Beth Ruskai is a retired professor from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell who was also affiliated with the Institute for Quantum Computing in Canada.
 |
|
|