A novel type of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol called differential-phase-shift (DPS) QKD is described. It utilizes a weak coherent pulse train instead of individual photons as in conventional QKD
A unique quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, called DPS (differential-phase-shift) QKD, has been proposed and developed at NTT and Osaka University, which utilizes a coherent pulse train instead of individual photons as in traditional QKD protocols such as BB84. Its security is based on the fact that every phase difference of a highlyattenuated coherent pulse train cannot be fully measured. This protocol has features of simple setup, potential for a high key creation rate, and robustness against photon-number-splitting attack. This paper presents recent research activities on DPS-QKD.
A novel type of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, called DPS (differential-phase-shift) QKD, was proposed several years ago. A sender transmits a highly-attenuated coherent pulse train with {0, π} phase, and a receiver receives it with a one-bit delay Mach-Zehnder interferometer followed by photon detectors. A secret key is created from photon detection events, whose security is based on the fact that an eavesdropper cannot perfectly measure the phase information of a highly-attenuated coherent pulse train. This protocol has some features of simple setup, potential for a high key creation rate, and robustness against photon-number-splitting attack. This paper overviews DPS-QKD. The operation mechanism is described, and then some experimental efforts are introduced, featuring use of a glass waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer and advanced single-photon detectors. The highest key rate and the longest distance have been achieved with the DPS-QKD protocol. Some modified schemes are also presented, including that utilizing quantum entanglement, that using decoy pulses, and that using macroscopic coherent light.
This paper presents a quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol named differential-quadrature-phase-shift (DQPS) QKD. A transmitter sends a coherent pulse train in which each pulse is phase modulated by ${0,\ensuremath{\pi}}$ ${\ensuremath{\pi}/2,3\ensuremath{\pi}/2}$, and a receiver measures it with either one of two asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers having phase biases of 0 and $\ensuremath{\pi}/2$, respectively. This scheme is devised such that the idea of the conventional Bennett-Brassard 1984 protocol (BB84) is introduced to differential-phase-shift (DPS) QKD. Simulations show that the proposed scheme is robust against a sequential attack that is crucial eavesdropping to DPS-QKD.
Quantum key distribution is used for secure communication between two parties for generation of secret key. Differential Phase Shift Quantum Key Distribution is a new and unique QKD protocol that is different from traditional ones, providing simplicity and practicality. This paper presents Delay Selected DPS-QKD scheme in which it uses a weak coherent pulse train, and features simple configuration and efficient use of the time domain. All detected photon participate to form a secure key bits and resulting in a higher key creation efficiency.