Why security parameter 1^k

From: Pragnik (pragnik_mr_at_yahoo.com)
Date: 01/31/05


Date: 31 Jan 2005 02:30:22 -0800

In most crypto algorithms these days contain 1^k (1's followed by k
times) as the input (for the key generation setup).

Could anyone please explain me .. thinking that I am a novice.
Thanks,
Pragnik