Secure Optical Communication Link for Data Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical communication links for data storage devices and random access memories face challenges in securing data transmission due to difficulties in securely exchanging encryption keys, especially in distributed architectures where eavesdropping risks compromise cryptographic key distribution.

Innovation Solution

Integration of an optical device within data storage devices, random access memories, and network layers that performs quantum key distribution over the optical data link, enabling secure key exchange and subsequent conventional cryptography, with an optical key distribution device using Mach-Zehnder modulators and coherent states to encode and transmit quantum information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional cryptographic key distribution is used over optical communication links, then data transmission can be established, but security is compromised due to eavesdropping risks in distributed architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoideavesdropping risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional cryptographic key distribution mechanisms with quantum key distribution (QKD) technology. The optical key distribution device uses quantum mechanical properties of photons (polarization states) to establish cryptographic keys, fundamentally changing from classical to quantum mechanical principles for securing communication channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an optical key distribution device as an intermediary component between the optical data port and the cryptography engine. This device acts as a mediator that establishes quantum-secure key exchange channels, preventing direct eavesdropping on cryptographic keys while maintaining data transmission functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If quantum key distribution is integrated into data storage devices, then cryptographic key exchange security is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecryptographic key exchange securityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical key distribution device with the existing optical data port infrastructure of data storage devices. By integrating QKD functionality into the optical interface already present for data transmission, the system achieves quantum-secure key exchange without requiring completely separate hardware systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical communication link serves dual purposes: transmitting both quantum key distribution signals and conventional data traffic. The optical data port and associated components are designed to handle multiple functions including QKD key exchange and standard data communication, reducing the need for dedicated separate channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If optical communication links are used for data storage devices, then data transmission speed is improved, but security against eavesdropping deteriorates in distributed architectures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidsecurity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical communication functionality into distinct channels: one for quantum key distribution and another for data transmission. This segmentation allows the high-speed data channel to operate independently while the quantum channel provides secure key exchange, combining speed and security benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a secure optical communication link by generating cryptographic keys through quantum key distribution, enhancing data security by preventing eavesdropping and ensuring secure data transmission over optical communication channels.

Implementation Method 1

perform quantum key distribution based on a polarization of a photon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

comprises a Mach-Zehnder modulator with interleaved grating couplers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

transmitting the photon over the optical communication link

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhoton transmission: Light

Data Source

PatentUS11750379B2Secure optical communication link

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

This disclosure relates to secure optical communication links. In particular, this disclosure relates to data storage devices, random access memories, host interfaces, and network layers that comprise a secure optical communication link. A data storage device comprises an optical data port to connect to an optical communication link external to the data storage device and a non-volatile storage medium to store user content data received over the optical communication link. A controller controls access to the user content data stored on the non-volatile storage medium. A cryptography engine uses a cryptographic key to perform cryptographic operations on data sent and received through the optical data port. An optical key distribution device coupled to the optical data port performs quantum key distribution over the optical communication link to provide the cryptographic key to the cryptography engine.