Study of Quantum Cryptography with a Thorlabs Teaching Apparatus

UNCP Author/Contributor (non-UNCP co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dana Lamberton (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP )
Web Site: http://www.uncp.edu/academics/library
Advisor
Quinton Rice

Abstract: A pseudo-quantum system consisting of laser diodes, wave retarders, beamsplitters, and photodetectors was employed to study encryption of data through binary transmission. The Jones vectors for each optical element can be represented in matrix notation and operated on through linear algebra computation. The laser diodes emit polarized photon pulses which can be represented by 2 x 1 matrices which are treated as transmitted bits. Because of the inherent randomness of polarized photons through a beamsplitter any intermediate detection and subsequent transmission of bits by a third party can immediately be detected. In this study, a total error rate of 25% was calculated for a 20-bit key and 52-bit protocol when the transmitted signal was intercepted in agreement with theory.

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Esther G. Maynor Honors College
Language: English
Date: 2019
Keywords
Pseudo-quantum system, laser diodes, wave retarders, beamsplitters, photodetectors, data encryption, binary transmission, Jones vectors, linear algebra computation, polarized photon pulses

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