Entangled-Photon Semi-Passive Communication Protocol
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Classical communication protocols have a high probability of adversarial interception and limited range due to their reliance on retrodirectional reflectors and classical signals, which can be detected and intercepted with relative ease.
Innovation Solution
An entanglement-based low-brightness, semi-passive communication protocol using a standard entangled-photon generator to produce pairs of photons, where one photon is stored and the other is transmitted, allowing for encoding and decoding with a highly transmissive optical element, thereby camouflaging sender and receiver locations and increasing communication range and fidelity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If classical communication protocols using retrodirectional reflectors are used, then communication can be established, but the probability of adversarial interception increases and communication range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces entangled photons as an intermediary carrier for communication. Instead of using classical signals that can be easily intercepted, the system uses quantum-entangled photons where the quantum state correlations provide inherent security. The entangled photon pairs serve as a mediator that transfers information while maintaining security through quantum mechanics principles, making eavesdropping detectable and preventing undetected interception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the communication signal from classical electromagnetic waves to quantum entangled photons. This parameter change transforms the communication medium from one vulnerable to classical interception methods to one protected by quantum mechanical properties, thereby reducing adversarial interception probability while maintaining communication reliability.
2Length of stationary object
If classical signals with sufficient power are transmitted to increase range, then communication range increases, but detectability by adversaries increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using highly transmissive optical elements that allow most photons to pass through while still providing the necessary communication function. This partial interaction (rather than full reflection or absorption) reduces the overall signal strength and detectability while maintaining sufficient communication range through the quantum entanglement correlation, enabling long-range communication with low probability of detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the signal parameter from high-power classical transmission to low-brightness quantum entangled photon transmission. This parameter change allows communication range to be extended through quantum correlation while simultaneously reducing signal detectability, as the low brightness makes the signal indistinguishable from background noise to classical detectors.
3Ease of operation
If retrodirectional optical elements are used for signal reflection, then signal encoding is achieved, but sender and receiver locations become detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses highly transmissive optical elements as intermediaries instead of retrodirectional reflectors. These optical elements subtly modify the quantum state of passing photons through minimal interaction, enabling signal encoding while maintaining low detectability. The intermediary nature of these elements allows them to perform encoding functions without the strong reflective signature that would reveal sender and receiver locations to adversaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using optical elements with specific local properties (high transmissivity with controlled quantum state modification). Rather than using strong retroreflective properties that are easily detectable, the system uses locally optimized optical elements that provide necessary encoding capability while maintaining overall low detectability, allowing signal encoding without location revelation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This protocol significantly increases communication range, decreases the probability of adversarial interception, and reduces the sender's operational power requirements, while eliminating the need for retrodirectional optical elements, making it difficult to detect and intercept the signal.
Implementation Method 1
one party generates a pair of entangled photons (a signal and idler photon)
Implementation Method 2
the other party transmits information by manipulating the signal photon with a highly transmissive optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A communications apparatus includes an entangled-photon generator for generating entangled pairs of photons including a plurality of idler photons and a corresponding plurality of signal photons. The communications apparatus includes a quantum memory for storing the plurality of idler photons. The communications apparatus includes a transmitter for transmitting the plurality of signal photons. The communications apparatus includes an optical element for selectively reflecting the plurality of signal photons to encode a reflected signal. The communications apparatus includes a receiver for detecting a plurality of incoming photons. The communications apparatus includes a correlator configured to determine the reflected signal from the plurality of incoming photons. The correlator determines an entanglement correlation between the plurality of incoming photons with the plurality of idler photons. A presence of entanglement correlation indicates that a detected incoming photon of the plurality of incoming photons is a reflected signal photon of the plurality of signal photons.