Quantum communications helps us to enhance the security and efficiency of communications and to deepen our understanding of quantum physics. Its rapid development in recent years has attracted the interest of researchers from diverse fields such as physics, mathematics, and computer science. We review the background and current state of quantum communications technology, with an emphasis on quantum key distribution, quantum random number generation, and a relatively hot topic: device independent protocols.
Quantum communications helps us to enhance the security and efficiency of communications and to deepen our understanding of quantum physics. Its rapid development in recent years has attracted the interest of researchers from diverse fields such as physics, mathematics, and computer science. We review the background and current state of quantum communications technology, with an emphasis on quantum key distribution, quantum random number generation, and a relatively hot topic: device independent protocols.
Quantum cryptography is arguably the fastest growing area in quantum information science. Novel theoretical protocols are designed on a regular basis, security proofs are constantly improving, and experiments are gradually moving from proof-of-principle lab demonstrations to in-field implementations and technological prototypes. In this paper, we provide both a general introduction and a state-of-the-art description of the recent advances in the field, both theoretical and experimental. We start by reviewing protocols of quantum key distribution based on discrete variable systems. Next we consider aspects of device independence, satellite challenges, and protocols based on continuous-variable systems. We will then discuss the ultimate limits of point-to-point private communications and how quantum repeaters and networks may overcome these restrictions. Finally, we will discuss some aspects of quantum cryptography beyond standard quantum key distribution, including quantum random number generators and quantum digital signatures.
Applications of quantum technologies are rapidly progressing in communications systems implementations. In particular, quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum random number generation have become key applications for cryptography and physical layer security. Unlike classical cryptography and network security, in QKD, security is ensured by the laws of physics and is, in principle, unbreachable by an interceptor. In particular, peculiar properties and postulates of quantum physics, such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum measurement uncertainty, are exploited to achieve system security. Quantum random number generator (QRNG) is also an important component in the implementation of QKD protocols. Likewise, in QRNG, true randomness (unpredictability using past data and uniformity of statistical distribution) is guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. In this study, we review prominent aspects of QKD and QRNG, related standards, protocols, and hardware components. Moreover, a comprehensive review of the current QKD protocols and quantum random number generation methods is also presented.
Quantum information science has completely changed the way we think about and process information. From the simple realization that information is physical, we have been able to use the peculiar features of quantum mechanical phenomena to our advantage. Designing algorithms whose performance exceeds those running on classical computers, and performing secret communication whose security can actually be proven from sound assumptions are two main catalysts for the establishment of the field. This thesis discusses some progress in quantum key distribution and quantum randomness generation. Quantum key distribution, which is motivated by the increasing need to communicate securely, is on the verge of becoming an established technology. With the goal of extending the reach of quantum key distribution to more realistic scenarios, we present a study on reference-frame-independent protocols whose knowledge can help design more efficient protocols, and a framework to the security analysis of distributed-phase-reference protocols, which have been missing for many years. This allows these protocols to be used in practice against the most general adversary, although the key rate is rather pessimistic. In quantum randomness generation, the amount of extractable randomness from a quantum system depends on the level of trust or characterization of the devices; we present a study into such interaction. In the extreme situation of distrust, i.e. device-independent scenarios, we study the effect of the input randomness on the certifying power of such scenarios, and realize that one cannot amplify an arbitrary min-entropy source device-independently. Finally we discuss the amount of randomness in post-selected data, which has consequences on practical randomness generation protocols. The in depth study of randomness generation from quantum processes is well justified by the important role of randomness in modern computer science and other fields.
With the recent advancements and developments in quantum technologies, the emerging field of quantum communication and networking has gained the attention of the researchers. Owing to the unique properties of quantum mechanics, viz., quantum superposition and entanglement, this new area of quantum communication has shown potential to replace modernday communication technologies. The enhanced security and high information sharing ability using principles of quantum mechanics has encouraged networking engineers and physicists to develop this technology for next generation wireless systems. However, a conceptual bridge between the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, photonics and the deployability of a quantum communication infrastructure is not well founded in the current literature. This paper aims to fill this gap by merging the theoretical concepts from quantum physics to the engineering and computing perspectives of quantum technology. This paper builds the fundamental concepts required for understanding quantum communication, reviews the key concepts and demonstrates how these concepts can be leveraged for accomplishing successful communication. The paper delves into implementation advancements for executing quantum communication protocols, explaining how hardware implementation enables the achievement of all basic quantum computing operations. Finally, the paper provides a comprehensive and critical review of the state-of-the-art advancements in the field of quantum communication and quantum internet; and points out the recent trends, challenges and open problems for the real-world realization of next generation networking systems.
Quantum communication is the art of transferring a quantum state from one location to a distant one. Commercial applications cover Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG) and Quantum Key Distributions (QKD). Academic research focuses mostly on two topics. First, quantum repeaters that should allow one to break the 500 Km distance limit of direct QKD; the grand challenge is second-long quantum storage with 90% efficiency. A second topic is Device Independent Quantum Information Processing, another intellectually fascinating prospect.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) has emerged as a promising approach for secure quantum communication, offering advantages such as high key generation rates, compatibility with standard telecommunication infrastructure, and potential for integration on photonic chips. This review provides an accessible introduction to the theory of CV-QKD, aimed at researchers entering this rapidly developing field. We focus on fundamental concepts, key protocols, and security analysis essential for understanding CV-QKD systems, with a special emphasis on prepare-and-measure protocols using coherent states under asymptotic security conditions. We explain their equivalence to entanglement-based protocols and detail the security proof framework against collective attacks, encompassing both Gaussian and discrete modulation schemes. We also briefly address more advanced topics, including measurement-device-independent CV-QKD and finite-size security analysis. This work is motivated by Brazil's growing investment in quantum communication technologies. By presenting a clear learning path from basic concepts to advanced topics, this work aims to equip newcomers with the essential tools to engage with current research in CV-QKD, thereby supporting the training of a new generation of researchers in this strategic field.