MagiQ Technologies Releases 'Open' Quantum Key Distribution for Researchers Exploring Boundaries of Cryptography.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 3, 2003

Q-Box Quantum Key Distribution Workbench Designed for

Experimentation and Development Use in Academia and Industry

MagiQ Technologies, Inc., the quantum information processing (QIP) company, today released its Q-Box Workbench for research and development work in the field of quantum key distribution (QKD). The system is intended for use by researchers in universities and research labs to perform research and analysis on QKD and related applications of quantum information processing (QIP). The Q-Box Workbench can be supplemented with Q-Box RNG, a high-grade true random number generator, and Q-Box SPD, a single-photon detector for other quantum information applications.

In a separate news release today, MagiQ also announced the general availability of Navajo, the world's first commercial quantum cryptography system. (Editor's Note: See "MagiQ Technologies Announces General Availability of World's First Commercial Quantum Cryptography System")

"The tremendous commercial possibilities of quantum information processing are just beginning to be uncovered," said Bob Gelfond, CEO of MagiQ Technologies. "Our goal in releasing the Q-Box to research communities is to open up our technology, thereby encouraging and accelerating this important process of discovery. As the leader in commercializing QIP, we look forward to working closely with academic and corporate research labs around the world to evangelize the next wave of information technology."

The Q-Box system consists of two rack-mountable chassis (a sending box and receiving box) interconnected by fiber and Ethernet cable. There is a single photon transmitter and detector along with interferometers, optical phase modulators, controlling electronics, and a PC. While the basic model includes no encryption layer or key management software, the system transmits ones or zeros encoded on single photon polarization states.

A software-based pseudo-random number generator in the sending box encodes one of four polarization states on the photons. At the receiver box, a polarization orientation is selected using a second software-based pseudo-random number generator for measurement of the single photon polarization state. For additional flexibility, the system can also be configured with MagiQ's Q-Box RNG high-grade true random number generator. Two avalanche photodiodes (APDs) at the receiver detect the single photons after they pass through an interferometer. Several parameters stored in the software can be accessed by a research team. These parameters include:

-- The transmitted polarization state of a single photon from the

sending box

-- The measurement basis at the receiving box corresponding with

a particular single photon transmitted

-- Counts from the photodiodes

"Q-Box gives us tremendous flexibility and control for experimentation in quantum key exchange. By building a turnkey quantum encryption system, MagiQ has allowed us to skip the expensive and time consuming steps of building a system from scratch, while providing a powerful, easy-to-use interface that allows us to control parameters according to our own requirements," said professor Bing Wang of the University of Connecticut's Optical and Quantum Communications Laboratory. "Our objective is to take quantum information processing out of the realm of pure physics and apply it to new applications in multi-user communication networks. A packaged, easy-to-use technology like Q-Box gives us precisely the tool for doing so, and positions us to take a leadership position in this emerging research area."

QIP is the intersection of quantum physics and computer science, moving beyond classical computers and previously unsolvable problems by making use of quantum mechanical phenomena. The field is now one of the hottest areas of both computer science and physics.

"Making this type of open system available to universities and research institutions is a great move for MagiQ and for the research community as a whole," said Artur Ekert, professor of quantum physics at Cambridge University, MagiQ advisor, and one of the inventors of quantum cryptography. "It will help drive innovation in the world of quantum information processing and create new opportunities for commercialization."

MagiQ Technologies has built a portfolio of intellectual property around quantum information processing and is bringing to market commercial implementations of several field-tested quantum information devices.

Q-Box is available on a limited basis to certain research facilities. For more information about Q-Box, please visit www.magiqtech.com or e-mail [e-mail].

About MagiQ Technologies, Inc.

MagiQ Technologies (www.magiqtech.com) is the quantum information processing (QIP) company. Through its unique blend of science, business and engineering expertise, the Company is the first to commercialize the advancements in quantum information to benefit forward-looking organizations seeking competitive advantage through technology. Founded in 1999, MagiQ is a privately-held company headquartered in New York City with research & development laboratories in Somerville, Mass.

MagiQ, Navajo, and Q-Box are trademarks of MagiQ Technologies, Inc.