Quantum cryptography may become available on handheld devices
DOI: 10.1063/PT.5.027298
MIT Technology Review : A new technique could bring quantum cryptography to the masses. Until now, such secure communications required that both the sender and the receiver have specialized quantum optics gear, such as a source of single, isolated photons. Now, however, Jeremy O’Brien of the University of Bristol in the UK and colleagues have found a way around that: In their system, only the sender needs the special gear; the receiver relies on an on-chip polarization rotator. In addition, the two parties no longer need to align their equipment. The research team has found that the new system is more robust than conventional quantum cryptography because it continues to work even in a noisy environment. The simplified system could one day be fitted to handheld mobile devices.
