Artur Ekert proposed deriving a shared cryptographic key from measurements on entangled particle pairs while testing other measurement settings through a Bell inequality. The different settings therefore serve two purposes: correlated results supply candidate key bits, and the observed correlations constrain possible descriptions of the source and an eavesdropper. The proposal connected a foundational test of quantum mechanics with the operational task of quantum key distribution, under the assumptions of its measurement and security model.[ref]
Quantum cryptography based on Bell's theorem by Artur K. Ekert. 1991 proposal, entangled pairs, key settings and Bell-correlation test
Portrait of Artur Ekert
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Artur Ekert is a prominent theoretical physicist known for his contributions to quantum mechanics and quantum information theory. Born in Poland in 1940, he is particularly recognized for his work in quantum cryptography, notably the development of the concept of quantum key distribution (QKD). His research has significant implications for secure communication protocols in the field of information technology. Ekert is also an influential educator and has held various academic positions, including a professorship at the University of Oxford.