Dave Bacon is a theoretical ski bum who is also an 
An entry into the "best abstract ever" subcompetition of the "best title ever" competition, arXiv:0809.3979:
Counterfactual Quantum CryptographyEmphasis mine. Horselover Fat would be proud.
Authors: Tae-Gon NohAbstract: The 'quantum counterfactuality' is one of the most striking counterintuitive effects predicted by quantum mechanics. This manuscript shows that the counterfactual effect is not merely an interesting academic theme, but that it can also provide practical benefits in everyday life. Based on the quantum counterfactual effect, the task of a secret key distribution between two remote parties can be accomplished even when no particle carrying secret information is in fact transmitted. The secret key obtained in this way may be used for secure communications such as internet banking and military communications. This manuscript also shows that, in some cases, the mere possibility that an eavesdropper can commit a crime is sufficient to detect the eavesdropper, even though the crime is not in fact carried out. In a sense, part of the story of the SF film Minority Report seems plausible.
Physical Science
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