Picosens develops a quantum physically coded key as an alternative to RFID and wireless for the locking systems of the future.
The solid and rod formed Quantum Key – an innovative new development from the company Picosens – comprises a stainless steel body which carries a code that is neither visible nor touchable. After reading the key code inside a special reader unit any typical electronic locking mechanism can be operated. The key is passive and operates without wireless or magnetic fields and therefore offers a real alternative to today’s RDID systems. The key cannot be copied nor can it be tapped or tracked.
The especially developed coding process “writes” the code into the crystalline lattice structure of the metallic material making the distinct code practically erasable. This means that even extreme mechanical damage such as heat, hammering and sawing has no influence on the readability of the key. Even EMP exposure or strong magnetic fields do not impede the keys readability.
At this time there are two different coding versions:
- Class A: This coding type is reproducible. Using a Key Identity number as reference, the key could be reproduced by Picosens.
- Class B: This code version is not reproducible. Every key is unique. The coding process is randomised and employs natural and arbitrary structural changes in the lattice structure. It is therefore impossible to create a duplicate.
With a total length of 80mm, the actual coded section is only 36mm and enables a very high number of code combinations, more than 900 billion individual and distinct codes can be created. This means that each and every key is in fact unique.
The technical implementation of the coding is so variable that there is no restriction to a round key, other geometries are also possible.
For protection against EMP and environmental influences such as vandalism, the reader unit is encapsulated in a metal housing. To read the coding, the Quantum Key can be inserted in any orientation into a single open ended tube made from either plastic or ceramic. The actual electronic reader element is situated around the outside of this tube and therefore decodes the key contactless. To open or close a lock, the classical left or right turning operation can be emulated.
The energy consumption of the reader unit is so low that many years of operation can be expected with battery power. The communication between the reader and a corresponding locking system is achieved via an encrypted communication channel. Using appropriate programming, the reader unit can be coupled to any typical locking or access system.
Although this unique technology enables many new possibilities in the area of high security, the Quantum Keys relatively economic manufacture allows its application in all locking and access systems.
The features of the Quantum Key in summary:
- Solid stainless steel body
- Quantum physical solid body cryptography coding
- Coding is neither visible nor touchable
- Very high combination permutation
- Absolutely bug, tap and tracking proof
- No wireless communication e.g. RFID, Bluetooth, WIFI, NFC
- No magnetic field transmission
- Practically indestructible
- Non-reproducible coding possible
