Hello December + quantum key distribution

Well, I have to say that I don’t think I’ve ever been as excited for November to end as I am this month.  I generally enjoy blogging.  I didn’t realize to what extent the commitment to write everyday might make it into a chore.  But I did it and it’s done, at least once I submit this post.

What should I talk about?  Spencer asked me why I hadn’t really considered starting a company in optics.  Of course, I have considered it, but it never seemed like an easy thing.  One of the larger barriers is capital.  Optical equipment and research costs a lot of money.  I don’t like spending a lot of money.

But if I had to start a company in optics and had the means to do so I know what I’d do: I’d take completely secure communications to the masses.  Quantum key distribution involves communicating using single photons in such a way that any eavesdropper can be detected.  Actually implementation of the protocol is still a pretty tricky optics problem, but one that is going to be solved.  I don’t see why only governments should have access to ultra-secure communication. It would be nice, for example, just to be able to send your credit card across the web in a full-proof manner.  So if I did start an optics company and didn’t want to do medical devices then I would bring quantum key distribution to the masses.