MilestoneTheory & algorithmsConfirmed

Ekert proposes sharing secret keys through quantum entanglement

1991

Artur Ekert proposes using entangled particles to distribute secret encryption keys. Tests of their correlations, based on Bell's theorem, can reveal eavesdropping.

Why it matters

The proposal connects a fundamental test of quantum physics with a practical aim: checking whether a shared secret key is secure.

Artur Ekert · Oxford

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Related

• Bennett and Brassard propose BB84, a way to share secret keys using photons (Dec 1984)
• Delft experiment closes two major loopholes in tests of entanglement (Aug 24, 2015)