"Breakthrough Research Could Lead to Simple, Efficient Method of Quantum Encryption"
A team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) and the University of Tübingen in Germany has shared findings that bring us closer to a simple and efficient method of quantum encryption. Quantum computers will be faster and use significantly less electricity than today's computers, but they are also expected to render today's encryption algorithms obsolete in the future. Most computer security currently relies on mathematical manipulations that ensure a high level of security. It would take billions of years for regular computers to break one of those encryption codes. We need new encryption methods that rely on the laws of physics rather than mathematical equations in our quantum future. One approach is to use the quantum properties of particles of light called photons to securely encrypt a message so that attempts to hack it are detectable by both the sender and recipient. However, finding a suitable source of single photons has been a major challenge. Banks and government departments are already investing in quantum encryption involving laser beams, but they often release several photons at once or none at all. A source that can emit a fast but steady stream of single photons in one direction and at room temperature is required for optimum security. The team developed a system in which fluorescent crystals in the form of specks are used. These specks are so small that special microscopes would be needed to see them. Each quantum dot is measured at much less than a thousandth of the width of a human hair. A laser beam shone at the quantum dot causes it to emit a stream of single photons. The device is useful for both quantum encryption and quantum computation. This article continues to discuss the team's research breakthrough towards a better method of quantum encryption.