Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

arXiv:2511.13413 · The European Physical Journal Special Topics

Emulation of the Six-State Quantum Key Distribution Protocol with Pulsed Lasers

Sara P. Gandelman, Georgi Gary Rozenman

quant-phmath-phphysics.opticsSubmitted Nov 17, 2025• Announced Nov 18, 2025• 4 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Quantum cryptography remains a topic of enduring scientific and educational interest. Here, we present a clear and accessible framework for exploring the six-state quantum key distribution protocol, an enhanced three-basis extension of the BB84 scheme that combines optical experiments with computational analysis. Designed for testing quantum communication protocols through emulation, this approach provides a robust and cost-effective platform that highlights the fundamental principles of multi-basis encoding and demonstrates how experimental measurements connect directly to theoretical expectations in a controlled tabletop setting.

Comments
13 pages, 5 figures

Related papers

Quantum Cryptography—A Simplified Undergraduate Experiment and Simulation

Yuval Bloom, Ilai Fields, Alona Maslennikov +1 more

Quantum cryptography is a topic of considerable interest. A simple and robust experiment and theory for a senior level undergraduate investigation of quantum key distribution are described. In the proposed experiment, key principles from the BB84 protocol, used in quantum cryptography, are emulated using an optical apparatus and computational scripts independently.

Physics•Jan 25, 2022•35 citations

Hands-On Quantum Cryptography: Experimentation with the B92 Protocol Using Pulsed Lasers

Sara P. Gandelman, Alona Maslennikov, Georgi Gary Rozenman

Quantum cryptography continues to be an area of significant research and educational interest. Here, a straightforward and reliable approach to both the experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum key distribution is presented, tailored for senior undergraduate students. Focusing on illustrating the essential concepts of the B92 protocol through a combination of optical experiments and custom-developed computational tools, this work offers a thorough exploration of quantum cryptography according to the principles of the B92 protocol.

Photonics•Feb 28, 2025•13 citations

Enhanced Quantum Key Distribution Protocol to Improve Robustness and Error Minimization

Kartheek Ravipati, Srikanth Vemuru

Quantum cryptography represents a swiftly advancing discipline with the capacity tofundamentally transform the landscape of data security. A prime application in thisdomain is quantum key distribution (QKD), which facilitates secure communication byleveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and disseminatecryptographic keys. This study is concentrated on the methodologies for safeguardingcommunication and data transfer against cyber-attacks through the utilization ofquantum cryptography, particularly focusing on the quantum key distribution protocolknown as BB84. BB84 is the first protocol for QKD in the year 1984. In this paper wesimulated a new way to enhance quantum key distribution protocol BB84 by introducingmulti-basis encoding, enhanced error correction, and built-in authentication. Theadditional basis Y provides increased robustness against intercept resend attacks, and theauthentication mechanism ensures secure classical communication and hence there willbe no loss of information.

Utilitas Mathematica•Sep 20, 2025•0 citations

QKD using polarization encoding with active measurement basis selection

Alexander Duplinskiy, Vasily E. Ustimchik, A. A. Kanapin +1 more

We report a proof-of-principle quantum key distribution experiment using a one-way optical scheme with polarization encoding implementing the BB84 protocol. LiNbO 3 phase modulators are used for generating polarization states for Alice and active basis selection for Bob. This allows the former to use a single laser source, while the latter needs only two single-photon detectors. The presented optical scheme is simple and consists of standard fiber components. Calibration algorithm for three polarization controllers used in the scheme has been developed. The experiment was carried with 10 MHz repetition frequency laser pulses over a distance of 50 km of standard telecom optical fiber.

Journal of Physics Conference Series•Nov 1, 2017•3 citations

Practical Guide to Using a Quantum Computer (Based on Materials from the International Quantum Center at CERN, Switzerland) # 2

Mikhail Pavlov

Abstract This laboratory work presents a practical implementation of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol using the Qiskit framework. The material is based on educational resources developed by the International Quantum Center at CERN (Switzerland) and is intended to provide hands-on experience with quantum circuit construction, quantum state preparation, and quantum cryptographic principles. In Laboratory Work No. 2, participants model the BB84 protocol within a quantum computing environment, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and executable circuit design. The experiment employs quantum circuits to prepare Bell states and to generate random bits as part of the quantum key distribution process. Visual representations of Bell states in the computational and Hadamard bases are analyzed to illustrate their orthonormal structure and physical interpretation. The quantum system is initialized and transformed into Bell states using the Composer interface by applying the Hadamard (H) gate to the first qubit q[0]q[0]q[0] and subsequently entangling it with the second qubit q[1]q[1]q[1]. This procedure produces orthonormal state vectors that form the basis for secure quantum communication. The laboratory work demonstrates how entanglement, basis selection, and measurement outcomes contribute to the security properties of BB84. The guide highlights the hybrid quantum-classical workflow implemented in Qiskit and provides a step-by-step framework for simulating quantum key distribution protocols on cloud-accessible quantum hardware and simulators. Through this practical exercise, participants gain insight into the physical foundations of quantum cryptography, probabilistic measurement, and the implementation of quantum communication protocols in modern quantum computing ecosystems.

•Mar 4, 2026•0 citations

QuantumCrypto: A Web Framework for Quantum Cryptography Education

José Ossorio, Jean‐Frédéric Laprade, Ulrike Stege +1 more

Quantum cryptography protocols leverage fundamental quantum computing principles such as superposition and entanglement, making them valuable tools for quantum computing education. While existing web platforms offer interactive interfaces to experiment with these protocols, none of them exploits the context in which cryptographic tasks are conducted: real-time communication between parties. We introduce QuantumCrypto-an innovative framework designed to present quantum cryptography protocols as interactive experiences connecting multiple players. QuantumCrypto aims to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum concepts and practical understanding by enabling users to engage in real-time simulations of quantum cryptography protocols. Our solution is extensible, allowing for the integration of new protocols. We demonstrate the versatility of our framework by showcasing the implementation of the BB84 protocol. Through detailed descriptions of the framework's backend and frontend components, we provide insights into its design and implementation. We also elucidate the learning experience of learners who used QuantumCrypto to simulate the BB84 protocol, and provide suggestions for utilizing our tool in a learning environment. To conclude, we summarize our work and present ideas for integrating more quantum cryptography protocols in the future.

IEEE International Conference on Quantum Computing and Engineering (QCE)•Sep 15, 2024•3 citations
Quantum cryptography remains a topic of enduring scientific and educational interest. Here, we present a clear and accessible framework for exploring the six-state quantum key distribution protocol, an enhanced three-basis extension of the BB84 scheme that combines optical experiments with computational analysis. Designed for testing quantum communication protocols through emulation, this approach provides a robust and cost-effective platform that highlights the fundamental principles of multi-basis encoding and demonstrates how experimental measurements connect directly to theoretical expectations in a controlled tabletop setting.
Quantum cryptography continues to be an area of significant research and educational interest. Here, a straightforward and reliable approach to both the experimental and theoretical aspects of quantum key distribution is presented, tailored for senior undergraduate students. Focusing on illustrating the essential concepts of the B92 protocol through a combination of optical experiments and custom-developed computational tools, this work offers a thorough exploration of quantum cryptography according to the principles of the B92 protocol.
Quantum cryptography represents a swiftly advancing discipline with the capacity tofundamentally transform the landscape of data security. A prime application in thisdomain is quantum key distribution (QKD), which facilitates secure communication byleveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to generate and disseminatecryptographic keys. This study is concentrated on the methodologies for safeguardingcommunication and data transfer against cyber-attacks through the utilization ofquantum cryptography, particularly focusing on the quantum key distribution protocolknown as BB84. BB84 is the first protocol for QKD in the year 1984. In this paper wesimulated a new way to enhance quantum key distribution protocol BB84 by introducingmulti-basis encoding, enhanced error correction, and built-in authentication. Theadditional basis Y provides increased robustness against intercept resend attacks, and theauthentication mechanism ensures secure classical communication and hence there willbe no loss of information.
We report a proof-of-principle quantum key distribution experiment using a one-way optical scheme with polarization encoding implementing the BB84 protocol. LiNbO 3 phase modulators are used for generating polarization states for Alice and active basis selection for Bob. This allows the former to use a single laser source, while the latter needs only two single-photon detectors. The presented optical scheme is simple and consists of standard fiber components. Calibration algorithm for three polarization controllers used in the scheme has been developed. The experiment was carried with 10 MHz repetition frequency laser pulses over a distance of 50 km of standard telecom optical fiber.
Abstract This laboratory work presents a practical implementation of the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol using the Qiskit framework. The material is based on educational resources developed by the International Quantum Center at CERN (Switzerland) and is intended to provide hands-on experience with quantum circuit construction, quantum state preparation, and quantum cryptographic principles. In Laboratory Work No. 2, participants model the BB84 protocol within a quantum computing environment, emphasizing both theoretical understanding and executable circuit design. The experiment employs quantum circuits to prepare Bell states and to generate random bits as part of the quantum key distribution process. Visual representations of Bell states in the computational and Hadamard bases are analyzed to illustrate their orthonormal structure and physical interpretation. The quantum system is initialized and transformed into Bell states using the Composer interface by applying the Hadamard (H) gate to the first qubit q[0]q[0]q[0] and subsequently entangling it with the second qubit q[1]q[1]q[1]. This procedure produces orthonormal state vectors that form the basis for secure quantum communication. The laboratory work demonstrates how entanglement, basis selection, and measurement outcomes contribute to the security properties of BB84. The guide highlights the hybrid quantum-classical workflow implemented in Qiskit and provides a step-by-step framework for simulating quantum key distribution protocols on cloud-accessible quantum hardware and simulators. Through this practical exercise, participants gain insight into the physical foundations of quantum cryptography, probabilistic measurement, and the implementation of quantum communication protocols in modern quantum computing ecosystems.
Quantum cryptography protocols leverage fundamental quantum computing principles such as superposition and entanglement, making them valuable tools for quantum computing education. While existing web platforms offer interactive interfaces to experiment with these protocols, none of them exploits the context in which cryptographic tasks are conducted: real-time communication between parties. We introduce QuantumCrypto-an innovative framework designed to present quantum cryptography protocols as interactive experiences connecting multiple players. QuantumCrypto aims to bridge the gap between theoretical quantum concepts and practical understanding by enabling users to engage in real-time simulations of quantum cryptography protocols. Our solution is extensible, allowing for the integration of new protocols. We demonstrate the versatility of our framework by showcasing the implementation of the BB84 protocol. Through detailed descriptions of the framework's backend and frontend components, we provide insights into its design and implementation. We also elucidate the learning experience of learners who used QuantumCrypto to simulate the BB84 protocol, and provide suggestions for utilizing our tool in a learning environment. To conclude, we summarize our work and present ideas for integrating more quantum cryptography protocols in the future.