BT Group has been granted a patent for a method of performing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). The method involves transmitting photons from a quantum transmitter to a quantum receiver in different basis states, with the transmitter and receiver connected by multiple optical channels. This technology could enhance the security of communication networks by enabling the secure exchange of encryption keys. GlobalData’s report on BT Group gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on BT Group, Cloud gaming was a key innovation area identified from patents. BT Group's grant share as of September 2023 was 49%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method of performing quantum key distribution using non-orthogonal basis states
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11777722B2) describes a method and system for performing Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). QKD is a cryptographic technique that uses the principles of quantum mechanics to securely exchange encryption keys between two parties.
The method involves transmitting photons from a quantum transmitter to a quantum receiver in different basis states. The first photon is transmitted in a first basis state, while the second photon is transmitted in a second basis state that is non-orthogonal to the first basis state. The quantum transmitter and receiver are optically connected by both a first and second optical channel.
To transmit the first photon in the first basis state, it can be sent along either the first or second optical channel. However, to transmit the second photon in the second basis state, a probability distribution of the photon is split into two portions. One portion is transmitted along the first optical channel, while the other portion is transmitted along the second optical channel.
The patent also mentions the use of an optical splitter, specifically a 2x2 optical splitter, to split the second photon into the two portions of the probability distribution. The phase difference between these portions can be p/2.
The optical channels used in the method can be optical fibers located within the same fiber core. Additionally, the first and second optical channels can have a mutual spatial separation for at least a portion of their respective lengths.
The system described in the patent includes a quantum transmitter and receiver that are optically connected by the first and second optical channels. The quantum transmitter can consist of multiple sub transmitters.
Overall, this patent presents a method and system for performing Quantum Key Distribution that utilizes different basis states and optical channels to securely transmit photons between a transmitter and receiver. The use of an optical splitter and the phase difference between the portions of the probability distribution of the second photon are notable features of this invention.
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GlobalData, the leading provider of industry intelligence, provided the underlying data, research, and analysis used to produce this article.
GlobalData Patent Analytics tracks bibliographic data, legal events data, point in time patent ownerships, and backward and forward citations from global patenting offices. Textual analysis and official patent classifications are used to group patents into key thematic areas and link them to specific companies across the world’s largest industries.
