On Possible Problem with Current Security Proofs of Quantum Key Distribution

Eli Biham, Michel Boyer, P. Oscar Boykin +2 more

Chenyang Li, Li Qian, Hoi‐Kwong Lo

Abstract Despite tremendous theoretical and experimental progress in continuous variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD), the security has not been rigorously established for most current continuous variable quantum key distribution systems that have imperfections. Among these imperfections, intensity fluctuation is one of the principal problems affecting security. In this paper, we provide simple security proofs for continuous variable quantum key distribution systems with intensity fluctuating sources. Specifically, depending on device assumptions in the source, the imperfect systems are divided into two general cases for security proofs. In the most conservative case, we prove the security based on the tagging idea, which is a main technique for the security proof of discrete variable quantum key distribution. Our proofs are simple to implement without any hardware adjustment for current continuous variable quantum key distribution systems. Also, we show that our proofs are able to provide secure secret keys in the finite-size scenario.

Anton Sergeevich Trushechkin

Detection-efficiency mismatch is a common problem in practical quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. Current security proofs of QKD with detection-efficiency mismatch rely either on the assumption of the single-photon light source on the sender side or on the assumption of the single-photon input of the receiver side. These assumptions impose restrictions on the class of possible eavesdropping strategies. Here we present a rigorous security proof without these assumptions and, thus, solve this important problem and prove the security of QKD with detection-efficiency mismatch against general attacks (in the asymptotic regime). In particular, we adapt the decoy state method to the case of detection-efficiency mismatch.

Kiyoshi Tamaki

Kiyoshi Tamaki, Toyohiro Tsurumaru

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a way to securely expand the secret key to be used in One-time pad, and it is attracting great interest from not only theorists but also experimentalists or engineers who are aiming for the actual implementations. In this paper, we review the theoretical aspect of QKD, especially we focus on its security proof, and we briefly mention the possible problems and future directions.

Masato Koashi