Encryption key generator based on passive optical elements

Abstract

This article presents the concept of the encryption key generator on the basis of passive fiber optic components. Quantum random number generators (QRNG) are used to obtain the random number sequences used to securely encode information transmitted in the fiber track. The authors propose a different approach than the currently used random number generators based on beam splitting element, namely the construction of this type of system based on passive fiber optic components with the use of single-photon generation. The article presents the analysis of the generation of random number sequences as well as independently developed simulator generation of random sequences. It also contains a description of selected items and the reasons for selection as well as patterns of accomplished setup made in the Security Systems Group in Institute of Optoelectronics. The methodology of measuring generation randomness of quantum random number generator is described here, also certified system made by ID Quantique and propretiary solution is compared and results of measurements of this comparison are presented. The work also includes tests of the certified system Quantis by IDQ company and the system made by a team in terms of randomness generated within. These tests are important from the point of view of the certification of a generator system and assign it to the appropriate safety class. The measurement results are contained in the article.