SWITCHABLE INTEGRATED QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

摘要

A switching mechanism to generate quantum key between quantum key distribution (QKD) stations using the combination of non-deterministic and deterministic QKD subsystems is disclosed. The method includes establishing a Master Key (103) using non-deterministic QKD subsystem (301 ) and buffering the Master key (103) in system memory (105). The generated Master key (103) is processed by activating Switching Bridge (305) between two protocols to generate SubKey (104). The SubKey (104) is used as preshared secret information for deterministic QKD subsystem (306). A plurality of Storage Key (105) is generated using deterministic QKD subsystem (306). The process will go back to Switching Bridge (305) to produce a new SubKey (104) when Master Key (103) is not expired. Otherwise, the Switching Bridge (305) will direct the process to non deterministic protocol to renew Master Key (103). The Storage Key (105) can be used by other application for cryptographic purposes.