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WIT transactions on the built environment

Quantum technology in critical infrastructure protection

M. Karol, M. Życzkowski

Published Mar 30, 2015• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Finding effective ways of critical infrastructure object protection requires more recent and more sophisticated security systems. Particularly important security aspects are information protection and perimeter security. Development of a new quantum technology, both in quantum computing and quantum cryptography, gives the necessary technology needed to build single photon optic fiber systems. The authors would like to present concepts of using single photon interferometers to protect infrastructure facilities which, in particular, take into account optical fiber transmission lines. The conducted analysis of what is available on market systems and the expected single photon sensor’s properties in terms of security and information show a drop in detection. We also compared the degree of systems ’ complexities in terms of system security and difficulties associated with devices ’ construction and installation in transmission lines. The paper presents the main principles of single-photon interference, the operation and construction of single photon systems in the detection and generation of single photons for the purpose of commercial systems. The concept will be described as perimeter protection and the protection of a transmission line by a single photon sensor. The authors discuss the proposed construction and operation of the proposed fiber optic single photon interferometer as a protection sensor. They also try to bring the possibility of using the sensor in areas other than the protection of transmission lines and compare the predicted properties of single photon sensor currently implemented solutions in the field of fiber optic sensors for perimeter protection.

DOI
10.2495/safe150101

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Finding effective ways of critical infrastructure object protection requires more recent and more sophisticated security systems. Particularly important security aspects are information protection and perimeter security. Development of a new quantum technology, both in quantum computing and quantum cryptography, gives the necessary technology needed to build single photon optic fiber systems. The authors would like to present concepts of using single photon interferometers to protect infrastructure facilities which, in particular, take into account optical fiber transmission lines. The conducted analysis of what is available on market systems and the expected single photon sensor’s properties in terms of security and information show a drop in detection. We also compared the degree of systems ’ complexities in terms of system security and difficulties associated with devices ’ construction and installation in transmission lines. The paper presents the main principles of single-photon interference, the operation and construction of single photon systems in the detection and generation of single photons for the purpose of commercial systems. The concept will be described as perimeter protection and the protection of a transmission line by a single photon sensor. The authors discuss the proposed construction and operation of the proposed fiber optic single photon interferometer as a protection sensor. They also try to bring the possibility of using the sensor in areas other than the protection of transmission lines and compare the predicted properties of single photon sensor currently implemented solutions in the field of fiber optic sensors for perimeter protection.
The rules of quantum physics are now fairly well understood and indisputable. On the basis of these principles are built safety systems to guarantee unconditional security of data transmission. This is possible due to the random behavior of the measured photon. Theorems of quantum mechanics are used currently in Quantum Key Distribution systems to determine the encryption key of cryptographic systems. Sending the single photons through the interferometer it is possible to determine the probability distribution of a photon detection at a given output depending on the interferometer imbalance. The use of single photon interference allows reduce the probability of detection of the transmission line protection. Additionally it provides high safety of transmitted information and minor disturbances. The quantum sensor can be a device which allows effectively protect transmission lines. In this paper we demonstrate measurement results of the using single-photon interferometers in security systems and potential capabilities use of such sensors.
This article presents the single photon fiber optic sensor for detecting interferences of the transmission line. With the growing popularity of the use of fiber optic communication systems, there is a need to protect transmission lines against unauthorized interference and data interception. Classical Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows to transfer quantum key and interrupt transmission when it detects interference. The use of proven as safe protocols BB84 in conjunction with currently used encryption techniques provide better data safety. However, due to lack of evidence on the safety of transmission using commercial QKD systems, their apply to the protection of classified information is currently impossible. Support these assumptions are carried out so far successful attacks on QKD systems. These statements do not mean impossibility of implementing these systems for the protection of classified information in the future. Our team proposes a solution consisting in transmitting information in fiber optic track with simultaneous implementation of a single photon sensor, developmentally impaired with the location of the interference place. The greatest yield of this method is to detect the intruder, who is unaware of its detection. To optimize and accelerate the testing, a simulation program that allows you to adjust the operating parameters of the sensor system and verification of performance of laboratory systems has been developed. Execution of simulation, helps in the selection of appropriate elements of the actual configuration and in comparison to obtained results. This work contains the results of the test operation of the system for disorders of mechanical and manual as well as performed simulations.
The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as `key' material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions: Heisenburg's uncertainty principle ensures that an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single- photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over `open' multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible.
The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as {open_quotes}key{close_quotes} material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over {open_quotes}open{close_quotes} multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible. We have also constructed a quantum key distribution system for free-space, line-of-sight transmission using single-photon polarization states, which is currently undergoing laboratory testing. 7 figs.
The article focuses on quantum technologies and the prospects for their application in the defense and security sectors. Based on an analysis of the current state of development of quantum technologies and their applications in defense and security, three main areas are identified: quantum computing, quantum communication, and quantum sensors. For each of these, a specific set of applications, advantages, and limitations is identified. It is noted that quantum computing in defense and security finds application primarily in four subfields: post-quantum cryptography, quantum cryptography, cyber threat detection, and cryptanalysis; quantum communication ensures secure information transmission by utilizing the physical properties of quantum states, particularly the principle of the impossibility of cloning a quantum state, with its primary practical application being Quantum key distribution and its promising application being the quantum internet; quantum sensors are the category of quantum technologies closest to operational deployment, as they utilize the hypersensitivity of quantum states to external disturbances to achieve measurement accuracy unattainable by classical devices. A summary of the main areas of application for quantum technologies in defense and security indicates that quantum sensors have the nearest practical implementation horizon (5–7 years), while quantum computing will have the greatest strategic impact on cryptographic infrastructure due to the threat it poses to existing asymmetric encryption algorithms—which is precisely why the transition to post-quantum standards is becoming urgent. Therefore, given the significant interest in and funding for quantum technologies from both the civilian industry and governments, it is expected that these technologies will continue to develop and new quantum applications will become available over the next five to ten years, and new advances in the development of quantum technologies may bring new opportunities for the military, but for the military to actually reap the benefits of new quantum technologies, they need to actively engage in this field and guide the development and implementation of military applications of quantum technologies.
On of the approach to the subject of security is the protection of transmission lines by sensing devices. But in this case protection is limited by detection properties of used sensors. Ideal solution providing completely safe transmission would be a combination of sensing signal with transmitted data. Unfortunately, pulse sensor solutions are not widely used in fiber optic protection. In this paper authors presents solution that can provide higher level of security in data transmission. Team of authors conducted a study on use of pulse interferometer system for transmission line protection and a combination of sensing signal with encoded transmitted data. Analysis of pulse interferometer properties in terms of information security and ability to readout of transmitted data. There is also consideration of using the sensor in areas other than transmission lines protection. Analysis of pulse interferometer properties in terms of information security and ability to readout of transmitted data. There is also consideration of using the sensor in areas other than transmission lines protection.