George L. Morgan

Quantum key distribution over a 48 km optical fibre network

Abstract The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as ‘key’ material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is a new technique for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions: Heisenbergs uncertainty principle ensures that an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal photon states to generate shared key material over multikilometre optical fibre paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. Here we report the most recent results of our optical fibre experiment in which we have performed quantum key distribution over a 48 km optical fibre network at Los Alamos using photon interference states with the B92 and BB84 quantum key distribution protocols.

Differential neutron production cross sections and neutron yields from stopping-length targets for 113-MeV protons

We have measured differential (P,xin) cross sections, d/sup 2/sigma/d..cap omega..dE/sub n/, from thin targets and absolute neutron yields from stopping-length targets at angles of 7.5/degree/, 30/degree/, 60/degree/, and 150/degree/, for the 113--MeV proton bombardment of elemental beryllium, carbon, aluminum, iron, and depleted uranium. Additional cross-section measurements are reported for oxygen, tungsten, and lead. We used time-of-flight techniques to identify and discriminate against backgrounds and to determine the neutron energy spectrum. Comparison of the experimental data with intranuclear-cascade evaporation-model calculations with the code HETC showed discrepancies as high as a factor of 7 in the differential cross sections. These discrepancies in the differential cross sections make it possible to identify some of the good agreement seen in the stopping-length yield comparisons as fortuitous cancellation of incorrect production estimates in different energy regimes. 13 refs., 20 figs., 4 tabs.

Neutron spectrometry--an essential tool for diagnosing implosions at the National Ignition Facility (invited).

DT neutron yield (Y(n)), ion temperature (T(i)), and down-scatter ratio (dsr) determined from measured neutron spectra are essential metrics for diagnosing the performance of inertial confinement fusion (ICF) implosions at the National Ignition Facility (NIF). A suite of neutron-time-of-flight (nTOF) spectrometers and a magnetic recoil spectrometer (MRS) have been implemented in different locations around the NIF target chamber, providing good implosion coverage and the complementarity required for reliable measurements of Y(n), T(i), and dsr. From the measured dsr value, an areal density (ρR) is determined through the relationship ρR(tot) (g∕cm(2)) = (20.4 ± 0.6) × dsr(10-12 MeV). The proportionality constant is determined considering implosion geometry, neutron attenuation, and energy range used for the dsr measurement. To ensure high accuracy in the measurements, a series of commissioning experiments using exploding pushers have been used for in situ calibration of the as-built spectrometers, which are now performing to the required accuracy. Recent data obtained with the MRS and nTOFs indicate that the implosion performance of cryogenically layered DT implosions, characterized by the experimental ignition threshold factor (ITFx), which is a function of dsr (or fuel ρR) and Y(n), has improved almost two orders of magnitude since the first shot in September, 2010.

Present and future free-space quantum key distribution

Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD), more popularly know as quantum cryptography, uses single-photon free-space optical communications to distribute the secret keys required for secure communications. At Los Alamos National Laboratory we have demonstrated a fully automated system that is capable of operations at any time of day over a horizontal range of several kilometers. This has proven the technology is capable of operation from a spacecraft to the ground, opening up the possibility of QKD between any group of users anywhere on Earth. This system, the prototyping of a new system for use on a spacecraft, and the techniques required for world-wide quantum key distribution will be described. The operational parameters and performance of a system designed to operate between low earth orbit (LEO) and the ground will also be discussed.

Differential neutron production cross sections for 256-MeV protons

In this paper differential (p, xn) cross sections d{sup 2}{sigma}/d{Omega}E{sub n}, from the thin targets of beryllium, carbon, oxygen, aluminum, iron, lead, and {sup 238}U for 256-MeV protons are measured. Time-of-flight techniques are used to identify and discriminate against backgrounds and to determine the neutron energy spectrum. Comparison of the experimental data with intranuclear-cascade evaporation-model calculations using the HETC code showed discrepancies of as much as a factor of 7, notably at 7.5 and 150 deg.

Neutron Yields from Stopping- and Near-Stopping-Length Targets for 256-MeV Protons

We have measured absolute neutron yields at angles of 30/degree/, 60/degree/, 120/degree/, and 150/degree/, for the 256-MeV proton bombardment of elemental carbon, aluminum, and iron and of depleted uranium. We used time-of-flight techniques to identify and discriminate against backgrounds and to determine the neutron energy spectrum. Comparison of the experimental yields with intranuclear-cascade evaporation-model calculations with the codes HETC and ISABEL showed very good agreement over the entire neutron energy range except at 150/degree/. 16 refs., 31 figs., 4 tabs.

Free-space quantum key distribution in daylight

Abstract Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology in which two parties may simultaneously generate shared, secret cryptographic key material using the transmission of quantum states of light. The security of these transmissions is based on the inviolability of the laws of quantum mechanics and information-theoretically secure post-processing methods. An adversary can neither successfully tap the quantum transmissions, nor evade detection, owing to Heisenbergs uncertainty principle. In this paper we describe the theory of quantum cryptography, and the most recent results from our experimental free-space system with which we have demonstrated for the first time the feasibility of quantum key generation over a point-to-point outdoor atmospheric path in daylight. We achieved a transmission distance of 0.5 km, which was limited only by the length of the test range. Our results provide strong evidence that cryptographic key material could be generated on demand between a ground station and a satellite (or between two satellites), allowing a satellite to be securely re-keyed in orbit. We present a feasibility analysis of surface-to-satellite quantum key generation.

The National Ignition Facility Neutron Imaging System

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) is scheduled to begin deuterium-tritium (DT) shots possibly in the next several years. One of the important diagnostics in understanding capsule behavior and to guide changes in Hohlraum illumination, capsule design, and geometry will be neutron imaging of both the primary 14 MeV neutrons and the lower-energy downscattered neutrons in the 6-13 MeV range. The neutron imaging system (NIS) described here, which we are currently building for use on NIF, uses a precisely aligned set of apertures near the target to form the neutron images on a segmented scintillator. The images are recorded on a gated, intensified charge coupled device. Although the aperture set may be as close as 20 cm to the target, the imaging camera system will be located at a distance of 28 m from the target. At 28 m the camera system is outside the NIF building. Because of the distance and shielding, the imager will be able to obtain images with little background noise. The imager will be capable of imaging downscattered neutrons from failed capsules with yields Y(n)>10(14) neutrons. The shielding will also permit the NIS to function at neutron yields >10(18), which is in contrast to most other diagnostics that may not work at high neutron yields. The following describes the current NIF NIS design and compares the predicted performance with the NIF specifications that must be satisfied to generate images that can be interpreted to understand results of a particular shot. The current design, including the aperture, scintillator, camera system, and reconstruction methods, is briefly described. System modeling of the existing Omega NIS and comparison with the Omega data that guided the NIF design based on our Omega results is described. We will show NIS model calculations of the expected NIF images based on component evaluations at Omega. We will also compare the calculated NIF input images with those unfolded from the NIS images generated from our NIS numerical modeling code.

Nuclear diagnostics for the National Ignition Facility (invited)

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), currently under construction at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, will provide unprecedented opportunities for the use of nuclear diagnostics in inertial confinement fusion experiments. The completed facility will provide 2 MJ of laser energy for driving targets, compared to the approximately 40 kJ that was available on Nova and the approximately 30 kJ available on Omega. Ignited NIF targets are anticipated to produce up to 1019 DT neutrons. In addition to a basic set of nuclear diagnostics based on previous experience, these higher NIF yields are expected to allow innovative nuclear diagnostic techniques to be utilized, such as neutron imaging, recoil proton techniques, and gamma-ray-based reaction history measurements.

First results of pinhole neutron imaging for inertial confinement fusion

Results are presented for the first implementation of pinhole imaging of inertial confinement fusion-produced neutrons. Raw images are shown, together with mathematical reconstructions of the source objects, for both spherical and asymmetric implosions. These reconstructions are considerably sharpened with respect to the raw images. They rely on the accurate calculation of the point-spread function, including neutron penetration into the material defining the pinhole. Proton recoil in the scintillator material and irregularity in scintillator fiber packing must be considered. The statistics of the system are inferred, which allows the use of simulations to demonstrate the robustness of the reconstructions to noise.