AET will perform R&D to develop a quantum cryptographic single photon counting system (or detector) consisting of a high performance integrated circuit chip and detector (such as an avalanche photodiode) for use in a secure fiber optic communications link. Quantum cryptography applies an encryption scheme that uses a series of single, polarized photons that act as the ?key? between the sender and receiver. If an eavesdropper or would-be hacker tries to intercept this ?key?, these photons will immediately become corrupted, render the message unintelligible, and alert the sender and intended recipient to the spying attempt. Both users will postpone sending any valuable data until the optical link is secured. In Phase I, AET will identify the requirements for the Quantum Cryptography Single Photon Detector (QCSPD) System chip and perform a trade-off study of the various technologies considered. AET will initially identify the overall system requirements for the QCSPD and identify acceptable requirements for the optical fiber and detector. From here, AET will derive requirements for the silicon integrated circuit chip, which probably will use CMOS technology. Then a technology trade-off study will define the optimum technologies to employ and finally a chip architecture will be developed for the integrated circuit.
