Toshiba Research Europe, BT and ADVA Optical Networking explore a quantum leap in encryption technology with the National Physical Laboratory

DC14-183 24 April, 2014

Toshiba Research Europe, BT and ADVA Optical Networking explore a quantum leap' in encryption technology with the National Physical Laboratory

Toshiba Research Europe, BT, ADVA Optical Networking and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), the UK's National Measurement Institute, today announced the first successful trial of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology over a live lit' fibre network. The trial paves the way for more advanced research into QKD, the next frontier of data encryption technology, which will deliver even greater levels of network security.

Providing an additional layer of security over and above standard methods used by banks and credit card companies to send data encryption keys' across a network, QKD shares a key between two users that is made completely secure using quantum mechanics.

By transmitting the information in a quantum state, any attempt to intercept the key can be identified, as it introduces anomalies which can be detected. If this occurs, the transaction' can be aborted, and a new key sent automatically. By sending multiple quantum keys every second, the security of a fibre line can be constantly monitored and attempts to tap' the signal can be instantly identified.

The trial, which is supported by the UK's innovation agency, the Technology Strategy Board, is the first to use a single lit' fibre, i.e. fibre to transmit data and the quantum key itself. The use of a single fibre is significant, as both the quantum key' and the encrypted data can now use the same pathway for the first time. Previously, two or three fibres were needed to deliver a secure connection.

The trial paves the way for further research into practical security applications for the technology. The test was conducted using quantum equipment developed by Toshiba, measured and evaluated by the Quantum Detection Group at NPL, and running in conjunction with ADVA Optical Networking's encryption equipment over a live BT fibre link between Adastral Park, BT's technology research campus in Suffolk, and another BT site in Ipswich.

Andrew Shields from Toshiba Research Europe in Cambridge, commented: The first field trial of QKD on lit fibre marks an importance advance for the technology. Using techniques to filter out noise from the very weak quantum signals, we've shown that QKD can be operated on optical fibres installed in the ground and carrying conventional data signals.

This means QKD can be implemented without the need for additional dark fibre' that is often unavailable or prohibitively expensive.

Alastair Sinclair from NPL, said: The QKD system works by sending single particles of light, known as photons, in pulses across the optical fibre. Knowing the number of photons sent and received is integral to the

security of the system. At NPL, we've developed a series of measurements that are sensitive enough to detect the individual particles of light, which we are using to independently verify the security of the system, in order to improve customer confidence and overcome one of the major barriers to market.

Dr Tim Whitley, MD of Research & Innovation at BT, said: Quantum Key Distribution is an exciting new frontier in security technology. Through collaboration with Toshiba, ADVA Optical Networking and NPL, we're helping to push the boundaries of what is currently possible and opening up new possibilities for this technology to be used more widely in the future .

The integrity and security of mission-critical data has never been so vital, has never been so public, commented J rg-Peter Elbers, VP, Advanced Technology, ADVA Optical Networking. Enterprises are acutely aware of the risks to their reputation and their business should any weakness in their data protection be found. Encrypted site-to-site connectivity without any compromise on throughput or latency is key. This QKD trial is a critical stepping stone to building a practical solution that will drive even greater levels of network security.

ENDS

About Toshiba

Toshiba is a world-leading diversified manufacturer, solutions provider and marketer of advanced electronic and electrical products and systems. Toshiba Group brings innovation and imagination to a wide range of businesses: digital products, including LCD TVs, notebook PCs, retail solutions and MFPs; electronic devices, including semiconductors, storage products and materials; industrial and social infrastructure systems, including power generation systems, smart community solutions, medical systems and escalators & elevators; and home appliances.

Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 590 consolidated companies, with 206,000 employees worldwide and annual sales surpassing 5.8 trillion yen (US$61 billion). Visit Toshibas web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm

About the Quantum Information Group of Toshiba Research Europe

The Quantum Information Group of Toshiba Research Europe is exploring the ultimate limit of Information Technology in which each bit is encoded on a single electron or photon. Notable past achievements include the first Quantum Cryptography system to operate over 100km of fibre, the first to operate with a secure key rate of 1 Mbit/sec and the first semiconductor light emitting diodes for single photons and entangled pairs. For further information on their work go to http://www.quantum.toshiba.co.uk

About the National Physical Laboratory (NPL)

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the UKs National Measurement Institute and a world-leading centre of excellence in developing and applying the most accurate measurement standards, science and technology available. NPL delivers world-leading measurement solutions that are critical to commercial research and development, and supp

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