We show that a side-channel-free (SCF) source does not have to be an ideal source by introducing the idea of mapping from ideal source. We propose a 3-state no-touch protocol for quantum key distribution (QKD) where Alice and Bob does not modulate any light sent out, the only thing the do is to send (or not send, in sending-or-not protocol). The reference light are from independent Lasers. We show that, the protocol is side-channel-free (i.e., both source side channel free and measurement device independent) and there is no modulation to the weak beams for QKD coding, except for sending or not sending. Calculation shows that one can reach a side-channel-free secure distance over 300 km using only coherent-state source. We use worst-case analysis which takes no limitation to the channel or detection loss for security. Our protocol is immune to all adverse due to side channels such as the photon frequency spectrum, emission time, propagation direction, spatial angular moment, and so on. Numerical simulations show that our scheme can reach a side-channel-free result for quantum key distribution over a distance longer than 200 km given the single-photon-interference misalignment error rate of 30%, and a distance longer than 300 km given the single-photon-interference misalignment error rate of 10%. Our no-touch idea can also apply to phase-coding twin-field QKD protocols. The no-touch idea also applies to twin-field QKD with phase coding.We show that a side-channel-free (SCF) source does not have to be an ideal source by introducing the idea of mapping from ideal source. We propose a 3-state no-touch protocol for quantum key distribution (QKD) where Alice and Bob does not modulate any light sent out, the only thing the do is to send (or not send, in sending-or-not protocol). The reference light are from independent Lasers. We show that, the protocol is side-channel-free (i.e., both source side channel free and measurement device independent) and there is no modulation to the weak beams for QKD coding, except for sending or not sending. Calculation shows that one can reach a side-channel-free secure distance over 300 km using only coherent-state source. We use worst-case analysis which takes no limitation to the channel or detection loss for security. Our protocol is immune to all adverse due to side channels such as the photon frequency spectrum, emission time, propagation direction, spatial angular moment, and so on. Numerical simulations show that our scheme can reach a side-channel-free result for quantum key distribution over a distance longer than 200 km given the single-photon-interference misalignment error rate of 30%, and a distance longer than 300 km given the single-photon-interference misalignment error rate of 10%. Our no-touch idea can also apply to phase-coding twin-field QKD protocols. The no-touch idea also applies to twin-field QKD with phase coding.

arXiv:1806.01708Jun 5, 20180 citations

Side-channel-free quantum key distribution with practical devices

Cong Jiang, Zong‐Wen Yu, Hu, Xiao-Long +1 more

Based on the idea that there is no side channel in the vacuum state, the side-channel-free quantum key distribution (SCFQKD) protocol was proposed, which is immune to all attacks in the source side-channel space and all attacks in the detectors. In the original SCFQKD protocol, an important assumption is that Alice and Bob can produce the perfect vacuum pulses. But due to the finite extinction ratio of the intensity modulators, the perfect vacuum pulse is impossible in practice. In this paper, we solve this problem and make the quantum key distribution side-channel secure with real source device which does not emit perfect vacuum pulses. Our conclusion only depends on the upper bounds of the intensities of the sources. No other assumptions such as stable sources and stable side channels are needed. The numerical results show that, comparing with the results of SCFQKD protocol with perfect vacuum sources, the key rates and secure distance are only slightly decreased if the upper bound of the intensity of the imperfect vacuum source is less than $10^{-8}$ which can be achieved in experiment by two-stage intensity modulator. We also show that the two-way classical communication can be used to the data post-processing of SCFQKD protocol to improve the key rate. Specially, the active odd-parity pairing method can improve the key rates in all distances by about two times and the secure distance by about 40 km. Give that the side channel security based on imperfect vacuum, this work makes it possible to realize side channel secure QKD with real devices.Based on the idea that there is no side channel in the vacuum state, the side-channel-free quantum key distribution (SCFQKD) protocol was proposed, which is immune to all attacks in the source side-channel space and all attacks in the detectors. In the original SCFQKD protocol, an important assumption is that Alice and Bob can produce the perfect vacuum pulses. But due to the finite extinction ratio of the intensity modulators, the perfect vacuum pulse is impossible in practice. In this paper, we solve this problem and make the quantum key distribution side-channel secure with real source device which does not emit perfect vacuum pulses. Our conclusion only depends on the upper bounds of the intensities of the sources. No other assumptions such as stable sources and stable side channels are needed. The numerical results show that, comparing with the results of SCFQKD protocol with perfect vacuum sources, the key rates and secure distance are only slightly decreased if the upper bound of the intensity of the imperfect vacuum source is less than $10^{-8}$ which can be achieved in experiment by two-stage intensity modulator. We also show that the two-way classical communication can be used to the data post-processing of SCFQKD protocol to improve the key rate. Specially, the active odd-parity pairing method can improve the key rates in all distances by about two times and the secure distance by about 40 km. Give that the side channel security based on imperfect vacuum, this work makes it possible to realize side channel secure QKD with real devices.

arXiv:2205.08421May 17, 20220 citations

Quantum key distribution using quantum-correlated photon sources

P.J. Edwards, Geoff Pollard, W.N. Cheung

The European Physical Journal DFeb 1, 20021 citation

Source-independent quantum key distribution without pre-sending entanglement

Rong-Zheng Liu, Hua-Lei Yin

Quantum key distribution (QKD) theoretically offers information-theoretic security. The prevailing approach is the prepare-and-measure BB84 protocol, which implements QKD using conventional laser rather than single-photon source via the decoy-state method. However, side-channel attacks targeting sources severely threaten system security. Despite extensive efforts, including fully passive scheme, this vulnerability persists even with perfect single-photon source. Here, we propose a source-independent (SI) QKD protocol that resolves all known and unknown source-side attacks without pre-sending entanglement source. Aligning with advances in quantum light sources, our protocol simultaneously doubles the transmission distance while remaining robustness against imperfection of source. Theoretical analysis shows that non-classical light source provides practical security advantages unattainable with conventional laser.Quantum key distribution (QKD) theoretically offers information-theoretic security. The prevailing approach is the prepare-and-measure BB84 protocol, which implements QKD using conventional laser rather than single-photon source via the decoy-state method. However, side-channel attacks targeting sources severely threaten system security. Despite extensive efforts, including fully passive scheme, this vulnerability persists even with perfect single-photon source. Here, we propose a source-independent (SI) QKD protocol that resolves all known and unknown source-side attacks without pre-sending entanglement source. Aligning with advances in quantum light sources, our protocol simultaneously doubles the transmission distance while remaining robustness against imperfection of source. Theoretical analysis shows that non-classical light source provides practical security advantages unattainable with conventional laser.

quant-pharXiv:2604.28089Optics LettersMay 1, 20260 citations

Side-channel-free quantum key distribution source using a KTP polarization modulator and a broadband laser

Tahereh Rezaei, Andrew Conrad, Philip R. Battle +2 more

We present progress on demonstrating a side-channel-free, decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) source based on a polarization-modulator and a wavelength-stable attenuated pulsed laser. By modulating the polarization of the quantum state, a three-state QKD protocol is achieved. The polarization-modulator-based QKD source improves security by removing several sources of side-channel attacks that exist when multiple sources are used to generate different QKD states. Here we present our single-source design, as well as an evaluation of critical subsystems characterized by the quantum bit error rate (QBER), quantum state tomography, and achievable key rates. The QKD source is intended to operate using minimal size, weight, and power (SWaP). In our system, we use a custom KTP waveguide modulator designed and fabricated by AdvR. Our QKD source can be operated using both narrow-band and broadband lasers, and we present characterization data using a He-Ne laser, and a diode laser, respectively. The polarization-modulator-based QKD source has applications in future mobile quantum networks incorporating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and autonomous vehicles, as well as fiber-based quantum networks.We present progress on demonstrating a side-channel-free, decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) source based on a polarization-modulator and a wavelength-stable attenuated pulsed laser. By modulating the polarization of the quantum state, a three-state QKD protocol is achieved. The polarization-modulator-based QKD source improves security by removing several sources of side-channel attacks that exist when multiple sources are used to generate different QKD states. Here we present our single-source design, as well as an evaluation of critical subsystems characterized by the quantum bit error rate (QBER), quantum state tomography, and achievable key rates. The QKD source is intended to operate using minimal size, weight, and power (SWaP). In our system, we use a custom KTP waveguide modulator designed and fabricated by AdvR. Our QKD source can be operated using both narrow-band and broadband lasers, and we present characterization data using a He-Ne laser, and a diode laser, respectively. The polarization-modulator-based QKD source has applications in future mobile quantum networks incorporating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and autonomous vehicles, as well as fiber-based quantum networks.

Quantum Computing, Communication, and SimulationJan 24, 20230 citations

10^{-8}

which can be achieved in experiment by two-stage intensity modulator. We also show that the two-way classical communication can be used to the data post-processing of SCFQKD protocol to improve the key rate. Specially, the active odd-parity pairing method can improve the key rates in all distances by about two times and the secure distance by about 40 km. Give that the side channel security based on imperfect vacuum, this work makes it possible to realize side channel secure QKD with real devices.