Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

IEEE Spectrum

Breaking Quantum Cryptography's 150-Kilometer Limit [Update]

Saswato R. Das

Published Aug 27, 2008• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Researchers in Europe in the field of quantum cryptography have demonstrated for the first time that it should be possible? with the help of satellites? to communicate across thousands of kilometers using unbreakable codes whose security is guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. For many business or government uses, the codes must be usable between cities and continents, but quantum cryptography machines today are limited to about 150 kilometers by the length of individual optical fibers and the loss of photons within them.

DOI
10.1109/mspec.2008.4607918

Related papers

Making unbreakable code

Justin Mullins

A product is on the way that relies on the quantum properties of photons to keep out eavesdroppers. All of them. The battle between codemakers and codebreakers is centuries old, but at the start of the 21st century, could it finally be drawing to a close? Physicists are putting the finishing touches to a method of encrypting messages that is more secure than anything that has gone before. Unlike the ciphers of the past, this new method has the potential to be absolutely unbreakable, not just practically unbreakable, but theoretically unbreakable. Mathematicians believe they can prove it. Central to the technique are the strange laws of quantum mechanics. Already experimental messages encrypted using quantum mechanics are being sent over tens of kilometers of optical fibers and received securely. Researchers are confident that it will not be long before ultra-secret messages are routinely transmitted in this way. But while quantum cryptography may be perfect in theory, practical considerations introduce security loopholes that an eavesdropper can exploit. The seriousness of these is still unclear, and physicists believe they can plug most of the holes with more efficient equipment. Still, enough cracks remain to maintain a healthy interest among cryptographers.

IEEE Spectrum•May 1, 2002•13 citations

Long-distance quantum cryptography [News]

M. Lamonica

Using the quirky laws of quantum physics to encrypt data, in theory, assures perfect security. But today's quantum cryptography can secure point-to-point connections only about 100 kilometers apart, greatly limiting its appeal.

IEEE Spectrum•Jul 24, 2013•2 citations

Quantum cryptography without optical fibers

J. D. Franson, B. C. Jacobs

Summary form only given. Current limitations on the range of quantum cryptography systems using optical fibers could be eliminated if it were possible to transmit and receive single photons between a ground station and a satellite, and between two satellites, which would allow the operation of a global network for secure communications. We are currently investigating the feasibility of such systems, with the initial goal of demonstrating secure communications between two ground stations in open air during daylight hours.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•Jun 7, 1996•1 citation

Quantum cryptography takes to the air

Edwin Cartlidge

Completely secure communication across the globe could soon become a reality, thanks to mechanics. Groups of physicists in China and Europe have sent entangled photons distances of several kilometres through the atmosphere. The results show that it should be possible to use quantum crytography to encode messages sent from satellites.

Physics World•Feb 1, 2005•0 citations

QUANTUM CRYPTOGRAPHY: PRINCIPLES, PROBLEMS, AND PROSPECTS

Ілля Геннадійович Калюжний

Quantum cryptography is a relatively new but promising method for secure data transmission. Today it is believed that it can ensure the absolute secrecy of data, resulting from the principles of quantum physics, on which it is based, namely the uncertainty principle of quantum Heisenberg. According to this principle cannot measure any aspect of photons without distorting thus irrevocably different option. That is the recipient of a message knows when attempting invasion in this necessarily knows.To create a quantum communication channel often use fiber optic lines or open space in which carriers serve single photons or pairs of entangled photons are often used.Three tasks facing cryptography are:1. Ensuring the confidentiality of messages sent via open communication channels.2. Authentication messages that confirm the validity of the information received and sent.3. Installing intrusion in fact, if it took place.Given the importance of information security, quantum cryptography technology will soon be available not only banks or large corporations but also individuals. Leading IT companies are in search of optimum circuit solutions that would produce industrial equipment for the transmission of confidential information available for mass use. The main obstacles for implementation of quantum cryptography methods are short distances, which can transmit information with modern facilities, high cost and cumbersome equipment. To solve these problems prompted the idea of creating a hybrid air-fiber system using satellite communications is proposed. The use of artificial satellites for the transmission of photons through the air opens the possibility of secret key clients in any part of the Earth and even beyond.It is also appropriate to review the possibility of using existing telecommunication and electrical networks for the transmission of quantum keys. The ideas p presented in the paper, open new space for scientific experiments.

Information systems mechanics and control•Nov 7, 2015•1 citation

The security of quantum cryptography

Justin C. Miller

A common desire in today's world is that of security. Whether it is keeping your e-mail private or stopping the government from hacking into your computer, the idea behind cryptography is to communicate between two parties in different locations, and to secure this information from outsiders. During the last half century there have been numerous advances in encryption schemes and also in the machines that process such information. Modern encryption algorithms have become increasingly more complex with advances in computers and technology, and encryption algorithms such as RSA and DES have been presented as algorithms that have remained secure for decades. These recent advances in encryption schemes will be examined in the first part of this paper. On the other hand, because the security of classical ciphers relies on the secrecy of a key, advances in research and computing may begin to compromise the security of these cryptosystems, as quantum computers would be capable of mathematical calculations that could break many modern encryption algorithms. Unlike classical cryptosystems, quantum cryptography obeys the laws of quantum physics, resulting in a much stronger, provable security. Many great advances have come in recent decades, and the latter part of this paper deals with these advances as well as the phenomena of quantum physics, the evolution of quantum computing, and the study of quantum cryptography.

Journal of International Crisis and Risk Communication Research•Jan 1, 2004•0 citations
Researchers in Europe in the field of quantum cryptography have demonstrated for the first time that it should be possible? with the help of satellites? to communicate across thousands of kilometers using unbreakable codes whose security is guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. For many business or government uses, the codes must be usable between cities and continents, but quantum cryptography machines today are limited to about 150 kilometers by the length of individual optical fibers and the loss of photons within them.
A product is on the way that relies on the quantum properties of photons to keep out eavesdroppers. All of them. The battle between codemakers and codebreakers is centuries old, but at the start of the 21st century, could it finally be drawing to a close? Physicists are putting the finishing touches to a method of encrypting messages that is more secure than anything that has gone before. Unlike the ciphers of the past, this new method has the potential to be absolutely unbreakable, not just practically unbreakable, but theoretically unbreakable. Mathematicians believe they can prove it. Central to the technique are the strange laws of quantum mechanics. Already experimental messages encrypted using quantum mechanics are being sent over tens of kilometers of optical fibers and received securely. Researchers are confident that it will not be long before ultra-secret messages are routinely transmitted in this way. But while quantum cryptography may be perfect in theory, practical considerations introduce security loopholes that an eavesdropper can exploit. The seriousness of these is still unclear, and physicists believe they can plug most of the holes with more efficient equipment. Still, enough cracks remain to maintain a healthy interest among cryptographers.
Summary form only given. Current limitations on the range of quantum cryptography systems using optical fibers could be eliminated if it were possible to transmit and receive single photons between a ground station and a satellite, and between two satellites, which would allow the operation of a global network for secure communications. We are currently investigating the feasibility of such systems, with the initial goal of demonstrating secure communications between two ground stations in open air during daylight hours.
Quantum cryptography is a relatively new but promising method for secure data transmission. Today it is believed that it can ensure the absolute secrecy of data, resulting from the principles of quantum physics, on which it is based, namely the uncertainty principle of quantum Heisenberg. According to this principle cannot measure any aspect of photons without distorting thus irrevocably different option. That is the recipient of a message knows when attempting invasion in this necessarily knows.To create a quantum communication channel often use fiber optic lines or open space in which carriers serve single photons or pairs of entangled photons are often used.Three tasks facing cryptography are:1. Ensuring the confidentiality of messages sent via open communication channels.2. Authentication messages that confirm the validity of the information received and sent.3. Installing intrusion in fact, if it took place.Given the importance of information security, quantum cryptography technology will soon be available not only banks or large corporations but also individuals. Leading IT companies are in search of optimum circuit solutions that would produce industrial equipment for the transmission of confidential information available for mass use. The main obstacles for implementation of quantum cryptography methods are short distances, which can transmit information with modern facilities, high cost and cumbersome equipment. To solve these problems prompted the idea of creating a hybrid air-fiber system using satellite communications is proposed. The use of artificial satellites for the transmission of photons through the air opens the possibility of secret key clients in any part of the Earth and even beyond.It is also appropriate to review the possibility of using existing telecommunication and electrical networks for the transmission of quantum keys. The ideas p presented in the paper, open new space for scientific experiments.
A common desire in today's world is that of security. Whether it is keeping your e-mail private or stopping the government from hacking into your computer, the idea behind cryptography is to communicate between two parties in different locations, and to secure this information from outsiders. During the last half century there have been numerous advances in encryption schemes and also in the machines that process such information. Modern encryption algorithms have become increasingly more complex with advances in computers and technology, and encryption algorithms such as RSA and DES have been presented as algorithms that have remained secure for decades. These recent advances in encryption schemes will be examined in the first part of this paper. On the other hand, because the security of classical ciphers relies on the secrecy of a key, advances in research and computing may begin to compromise the security of these cryptosystems, as quantum computers would be capable of mathematical calculations that could break many modern encryption algorithms. Unlike classical cryptosystems, quantum cryptography obeys the laws of quantum physics, resulting in a much stronger, provable security. Many great advances have come in recent decades, and the latter part of this paper deals with these advances as well as the phenomena of quantum physics, the evolution of quantum computing, and the study of quantum cryptography.