The purpose of this conference is to provide a technical forum for discussions in the latest developments in quantum-physics-based information security. Traditional approaches to information security rely on mathematical relationships associated with encryption keys and encryption algorithms to achieve practical security. Quantum computing is considered to be an emerging threat to these classical techniques. In principle, quantum key distribution with a one-time pad cipher provides a solution in the form of on-demand key generation and encryption that is indistinguishable from randomness and therefore fundamentally secure. Information-theory-based analyses consider both fundamental and practical issues to quantify the true security of such systems.
Quantum cryptography technologies have become sufficiently mature to experience commercialization in recent years, particularly for fiber network applications. There are, however, many challenges in developing this technology to a position where it can provide practical and provable security in defence applications. Quantum bit rates and fiber-link distances are presently small relative to those achieved in classical optical communications. The implications of non-ideal photon sources and detectors are to be considered and implementation over free-space quantum channels creates new challenges associated with unguided propagation, atmospheric turbulence, and background noise.
Original papers are sought on, but not restricted to the following topics.