Quantum key distribution involving moveable key device
A method of key distribution from a first entity to a second entity including the first entity communicating with a moveable key device so as to share a secret data with said moveable key device, relocating said moveable key device to a location having a quantum link with said second entity, transmitting a quantum signal from said moveable key device to said second entity on said quantum link, the quantum signal being based on said secret data; and said first entity and said second entity undertaking key agreement based on the quantum signal received by the second entity. Such a method allows the principles of quantum key distribution to be applied even in the absence of a suitable quantum communications link between the first and second entities.
1. A method of key distribution from a first entity to a second entity comprising the steps of: the first entity communicating with a moveable key device so as to share a secret data with said moveable key device, relocating said moveable key device to a location having a quantum link with said second entity, transmitting a quantum signal from said moveable key device to said second entity on said quantum link, the quantum signal being based on said secret data; and said first entity and said second entity undertaking key agreement based on the quantum signal received by the second entity.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein said secret data comprises at least one string of random numbers.
3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the secret data is transmitted from the first entity to the moveable key device.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quantum link with the second entity comprises one or more of a free space path and a path through a suitable waveguide or waveguides.
5. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quantum signal comprises a series of suitably modulated single photons.
6. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the step of undertaking key agreement comprises the first entity and second entity performing authentication.
7. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moveable key device transmits a quantum signal based on the secret data once and only once.
8. A method as claimed in claim 7 comprising the step of deleting the secret data as it is used.
9. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moveable key device comprises a secure, tamper proof housing.
10. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the communication between the first entity and the moveable key device is encrypted.
11. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the communication between the first entity and the moveable key device is protected by encrypting it with a quantum key derived by quantum key distribution between the first entity and the moveable key device.
12. A method as claimed in claim 10 wherein the moveable key device is linked to the first entity via at least one quantum node.
13. A method as claimed in claim 1 further comprising the step, after the first and second entity have undertaken key agreement, of the first entity and second entity communicating securely regarding details of a quantum exchange between the second entity and a third entity.
14. A method as claimed in claim 13 further comprising the step of the first and third entities undertake a key agreement step to agree a new key.
15. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moveable key device is a portable device.
16. A method as claimed in claim 15 wherein the moveable key device is relocated by post or courier.
17. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the moveable key device is incorporated within a vehicle.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17 wherein the moveable key device is incorporated within an aircraft.
19. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the secret data is stored at said movable key device.
20. A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of relocating said movable key device comprises relocating the movable key device from a location that does not have a quantum link to the second entity.