Secure key distribution based on chaos synchronization of VCSELs subject to symmetric random-polarization optical injection

Abstract

We propose and numerically demonstrate a secure key distribution scheme based on the dynamic chaos synchronization of two external cavity vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) subject to symmetric random-polarization injections. By exchanging the random parameters that control the polarization angles of the driving injection, Alice and Bob can identify the time slots in which high-quality private chaos synchronization is achieved and independently generate a shared key from the synchronized polarization difference signals of their local VCSELs. The results show that Gb/s key distribution with a low bit error ratio can be achieved, and the shared key can pass all NIST tests, which guarantee the randomness of the key. In the proposed scheme, the exchange messages do not contain any information about the key generation, which affords a high-level of security for key distribution.

Dynamics of Laterally-Coupled Pairs of Spin-VCSELs

“…For this purpose, the spin flip model (SFM) [12] is well-established as the method of choice, and has been successfully extended to model mutually coupled VCSELs by adding delayed optical injection terms [13]. This approach has been successfully applied recently to proposed applications of mutually coupled VCSELs in secure key distribution based on chaos synchronization [14] and reservoir computing based on polarization dynamics [15].…”

The Overlap Factor Model of Spin-Polarised Coupled Lasers

“…Detailed control of the polarization dynamics of vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) arrays opens up many technological opportunities. In addition to being highpower sources, potential applications may lie in emerging areas, such as reservoir computing based on polarization dynamics [1] and secure key distribution based on chaos synchronization [2,3], as well as an enhanced understanding of anticipation in polarisation chaos synchronisation of coupled VCSELs [4] for secure communications.…”

“…Although there is sometimes a need to stabilise the polarisation of such arrays of VCSELs, the possibility of manipulating the output polarisation of an array by means of independent pumping polarisations has not yet been considered. Moreover new potential applications of the theory developed here may lie in emerging areas, such as reservoir computing based on polarization dynamics [1] and secure key distribution based on chaos synchronization [2,3], as well as an enhanced understanding of anticipation in polarisation chaos synchronisation of coupled VCSELs [4] for secure communications. Hitherto, these topics have been studied by adding delayed optical injection terms into the SFM equations [26], whereas the present theory permits a more general analysis which is applicable to a much wider range of VCSEL array applications.…”

Generating randomness: making the most out of disordering a false order into a real one

“…A method for closing the gap between fast randomness generation and slow post-processing was thus proposed. A secure key distribution scheme based on the dynamic chaos synchronization of two external cavity vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers subject to symmetric random-polarization injections was demonstrated [72]. By exchanging random parameters that control the polarization angles of the driving injection, Alice and Bob identified the time slots in which high-quality private chaos synchronization was achieved, and independently generated a shared key from the synchronized polarization difference signals of their local lasers.…”