Quantum Key Distribution Start-Point Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing quantum key distribution systems face challenges in synchronizing the start-point of quantum data without reducing quantum channel capacity or requiring additional hardware, and conventional methods often lead to errors and signal loss due to strong synchronization signals.
Innovation Solution
A method where the receiving apparatus measures a predetermined quantum signal in an optical pulse sequence and transmits a confirmation signal to the transmitting apparatus, determining the start-point after a predetermined number of measurements or confirmation signal transmission, allowing both devices to synchronize the start-point without additional hardware and minimizing signal loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional strong synchronization signals are used to synchronize start-points, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but signal errors and quantum signal loss occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a weak quantum synchronization signal as an intermediary that mediates between the need for synchronization and the requirement to preserve quantum signal integrity. This weak signal serves as a mediator that provides synchronization information without causing the harmful effects of strong signals, enabling start-point synchronization while maintaining quantum signal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the intensity parameter of the synchronization signal from strong to weak. By adjusting this physical parameter, the system achieves synchronization functionality while avoiding signal saturation, detector damage, and quantum signal loss that occur with strong synchronization signals
2Reliability
If additional hardware is added to synchronize start-points, then synchronization reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the quantum channel serve multiple functions: it simultaneously transmits both the quantum synchronization signal and the quantum data signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate synchronization hardware channels, achieving reliable synchronization without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing quantum communication infrastructure to provide synchronization services to itself. The quantum channel and detectors already present in the system are utilized to detect and process synchronization signals, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external or additional hardware components
3Stability of the object's composition
If quantum channel capacity is reduced to accommodate synchronization, then synchronization stability is improved, but communication efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization signal transmission with the quantum data transmission by using the same quantum channel. The weak quantum synchronization signal is combined with quantum data signals in the same transmission medium, achieving stable synchronization without dedicating separate channel capacity and maintaining communication efficiency
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 approach enables synchronized start-point of quantum data without decreasing quantum channel capacity or requiring additional hardware, preventing errors and signal loss associated with conventional strong synchronization signals.
Implementation Method 1
measuring, by the receiving apparatus, a predetermined quantum signal included in the optical pulse sequence of the predetermined pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for synchronizing a start-point of quantum data are disclosed. A method of determining a start-point of a quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, at which a receiving apparatus of a QKD system starts the QKD protocol with a transmitting apparatus, includes receiving, by the receiving apparatus, an optical pulse sequence of a predetermined pattern from the transmitting apparatus, measuring, by the receiving apparatus, a predetermined quantum signal included in the optical pulse sequence, transmitting, by the receiving apparatus, a confirmation signal to the transmitting apparatus when the number of measurements of the predetermined quantum signal reaches a predetermined value, and determining, as the start-point, a point after one period of the optical pulse sequence from a point at which the number of measurements of the predetermined quantum signal has reached the predetermined value, or a point at which the confirmation signal has been transmitted.