This two-year, $300,000 National Science Foundation project grant funds research at Washington University in City, Missouri to develop a quantum tunneling-based framework for zero side-channel key generation and distribution. The Engineering Directorate program seeks to advance engineering innovation and excellence.
Specifically, the university researchers will investigate using an array of self-powered, phase-locked timers that operate via Fowler-Nordheim quantum tunneling to emulate quantum-based key exchange protocols. By restricting access to the internal timer states, which self-destruct after single measurement, the framework intends to generate keys devoid of practical side channels that could be exploited by adversaries. If successful, this framework may address security vulnerabilities in classical public key distribution raised by advancing computing power and potential quantum computers. The award period runs from October 1, 2022 to September 30, 2024.
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