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Quantum Information and Computation

Probabilistic quantum key distribution

Tzonelih Hwang, Chia‐Wei Tsai, Song‐Kong Chong

Published Jul 1, 2011• 14 citations
Publisher

Abstract

This work presents a new concept in quantum key distribution called the probabilistic quantum key distribution (PQKD) protocol, which is based on the measurement uncertainty in quantum phenomena. It allows two mutually untrusted communicants to negotiate an unpredictable key that has a randomness guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. In contrast to conventional QKD (e.g., BB84) in which one communicant has to trust the other for key distribution or quantum key agreement (QKA) in which the communicants have to artificially contribute subkeys to a negotiating key, PQKD is a natural and simple method for distributing a secure random key. The communicants in the illustrated PQKD take Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs as quantum resources and then use entanglement swapping and Bell-measurements to negotiate an unpredictable key.

DOI
10.26421/qic11.7-8-6

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This work presents a new concept in quantum key distribution called the probabilistic quantum key distribution (PQKD) protocol, which is based on the measurement uncertainty in quantum phenomena. It allows two mutually untrusted communicants to negotiate an unpredictable key that has a randomness guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. In contrast to conventional QKD (e.g., BB84) in which one communicant has to trust the other for key distribution or quantum key agreement (QKA) in which the communicants have to artificially contribute subkeys to a negotiating key, PQKD is a natural and simple method for distributing a secure random key. The communicants in the illustrated PQKD take Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs as quantum resources and then use entanglement swapping and Bell-measurements to negotiate an unpredictable key.
Entanglement swapping between Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs can be used to generate the same sequence of random bits in two remote places. A quantum key distribution protocol based on this idea is described. The scheme exhibits the following features. (a) It does not require that Alice and Bob choose between alternative measurements, therefore improving the rate of generated bits by transmitted qubit. (b) It allows Alice and Bob to generate a key of arbitrary length using a single quantum system (three EPR pairs), instead of a long sequence of them. (c) Detecting Eve requires the comparison of fewer bits. (d) Entanglement is an essential ingredient. The scheme assumes reliable measurements of the Bell operator.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is used in quantum cryptographic systems to exchange secret key between parties who need to communicate secretly. According to the structure of European Secoqc QKD network, a QKD protocol is proposed. Entanglement swapping between Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) pairs can be used to exchange message bits in two remote places. Based on this idea, n + 1 EPR pairs are used as logical quantum channel (for n nodes per routing), while measurements of Bell operator are transmitted by classical channel. Random space quantum channel selection is exploited in our protocol to improve the probability of revealing Eve. Compared with traditional EPR protocol, the proposed protocol exhibits many features, which are minutely described.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an emerging cryptographic method designed for secure key sharing. Its security is theoretically guaranteed by fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, making it a leading candidate for future communication protocols. Quantum Random Walks (QRWs), on the other hand, are quantum processes that exhibit intriguing phenomena such as interference and superposition, enabling the generation of decentralized and asymmetric probability distributions. Inspired by both fields of study, we propose a novel QKD protocol based on two entangled quantum walkers. Our protocol exploits the unique correlations between the walkers at extremal positions of the walk to establish secret keys shared exclusively by the two parties. The security of the protocol is augmented by analyzing the joint probability distributions of the walkers' measured positions and their associated coin states.
Abstract Cryptography is a scientific method that is used to transmit secret information. In contrast, quantum cryptography depends on physical laws to encrypt information; when the quantum computer appeared, the classic encryption method becomes inefficient. The quantum method is commonly used to distribute keys, a process called as quantum key distribution (QKD). In this paper, we consider the efficiency of the quantum method compared to classical methods. Also, we discuss the security of QKD against several attacks and provide security analysis based on probabilistic models. Additionally, the paper explains how to encrypt random numbers into a sequence of photons using a QKD system for the distribution of a key. This research demonstrates the efficiency and security of QKD in sending and distributing keys between communication parties. Thus, both the sender and the receiver would be able to obtain a security key using the quantum method rather than classical methods.
The traditional security system, which depends on asymmetric and symmetric key exchange protocol, is now under threat due to recent developments in quantum computing. In order to generate the safe key without storing the qubit by the sender or recipient trustworthy parties, a unique Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol was presented. Four random classical bits coupled to generate a pair of bell states in any of the places {(1,2,3,4), (1,3,2,4) and (1,4,2,3)}. "n/2" groups were used to generate the raw key while the remaining groups were used to check for Eve. The flying bell states scatter into four separate bell states as a result of Eve's involvement in choosing the incorrect measurement basis, which causes entanglement swapping and its identification during communication. The sender will alter the key in accordance with the receiver's position preference because, in traditional communication, key receiving parties must announce the position information. Under the intercept-measure-resend attack, the trade-off between the key generating rate and disturbance is computed and security is examined. Circuit simulation is demonstrated graphically in IBM Quantum Lab and the proposed protocol is implemented.