Abstract Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) allows secret messages to be directly communicated over a quantum channel; its further development could lead to many practical applications. In this paper, we propose a novel continuous-variable (CV)-based QSDC which could be compatible with fully developed optical telecommunication technologies to minimize the implementation costs. Through a security analysis we show that the proposed scheme can effectively resist an eavesdropper’s attacks on the light intensity. Furthermore, our work should inspire the improvement, development and application of CV-based QSDC.
Abstract Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) allows secret messages to be directly communicated over a quantum channel; its further development could lead to many practical applications. In this paper, we propose a novel continuous-variable (CV)-based QSDC which could be compatible with fully developed optical telecommunication technologies to minimize the implementation costs. Through a security analysis we show that the proposed scheme can effectively resist an eavesdropper’s attacks on the light intensity. Furthermore, our work should inspire the improvement, development and application of CV-based QSDC.
Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) realizes the transmission of secret messages directly in a quantum channel. A continuous-variable- (CV) based quantum-communication system allows high-speed, large-capacity information transmission in optical telecommunication systems. In this work, we propose a QSDC protocol based on Gaussian mapping. As for Gaussian modulation, the designed Gaussian-mapping scheme effectively solves the problem, which results from the nonuniformity of the secret-message bitstream, and is applicable to different modulation variances. The system performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme can realize inerrant Gaussian modulation of secret messages, and secure transmission of messages under information theory. Moreover, our work hopes to stimulate discussion on experimental realization and practical advance of CV-QSDC protocol.
Abstract Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) enables the direct transmission of secret messages over a quantum channel without prior key sharing. QSDC implemented in the continuous-variable (CV) regime allows high-capacity information transmission using simple optical communication technologies. In this work, we propose a novel CV-QSDC protocol with a quantum one-time pad, which achieves secure message transmission based on coherent states and unitary operations, and the receiver can directly obtain the secret messages after measuring the coherent states. The security of this protocol is jointly guaranteed by one-time pad encryption and a CV quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol. Performance analysis shows that the proposed scheme can achieve a quantum bit error rate (QBER) lower than 1% by adjusting the modulation variance and unitary operation parameters. With the optimal modulation variance, the secure transmission distance of the proposed protocol can exceed 150 km.
Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) is a recently developed practical solution, which transmits secret messages between legitimate parties, without setting up a cryptographic key. The QSDC protocols are mainly classified into entanglement-based and single photon-based approaches. Their security has been analyzed using Wyner's wiretap channel theory, and their secrecy capacity has been calculated [1]. Hitherto, QSDC protocols have been implemented on optical fiber and free-space channels, all in discrete-variable (DV) encoding that employs single-photon detectors [1]–[2]. However, the implementation of continuous-variable (CV) QSDC, in which the keys are encoded into the quadratures of quantized electromagnetic fields (e.g., coherent states) and detected via homodyne techniques, is preferred due to: its lower costs, excellent integrability with existing optical communication systems, easy implementation from state preparation to measurement, and fast experimental realization. Furthermore, it has been proved that CV-QSDC protocols using squeezed states show higher tolerance in purely lossy channels and enhanced robustness against highly noisy ones, as well [3]. Nevertheless, none of the CV-QSDC protocols employing either coherent or squeezed quantum states have been implemented yet.
With the progress of theoretical and applied technologies, the communication system based on the classical encryption is seriously threatened by quantum computing and distributed computing. A communication method that directly loads confidential information on the quantum state, quantum secure direct communication (QSDC), came into being for resisting security threats. Here, we report the first continuous-variable QSDC (CV-QSDC) experimental demonstration for verifying the feasibility and effectiveness of the CV-QSDC protocol based on Gaussian mapping and propose a parameter estimation for signal classification under the actual channels. In our experiment, we provided 4 × 10 2 blocks, where each block contains 10 5 data for direct information transmission. For the transmission distance of 5 km in our experiment, the excess noise is 0.0035 SNU, where SNU represents the unit of shot-noise units. The 4.08 × 10 5 bit per second experimental results firmly demonstrated the feasibility of CV-QSDC under the fiber channel. The proposed grading judgment method based on parameter estimation provides a practical and available message processing scheme for CV-QSDC in a practical fiber channel and lays the groundwork for the grading reconciliation.
Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) is an evolving quantum communication framework based on transmitting secure information directly through a quantum channel, without relying on key-based encryption such as in quantum key distribution (QKD). Optical QSDC protocols, utilizing discrete and continuous variable encodings, show great promise for future technological applications. We present the first table-top continuous-variable QSDC proof of principle, analyzing its implementation and comparing the use of coherent against squeezed light sources. A simple beam-splitter attack is analyzed by using Wyner wiretap channel theory. Our study illustrates the advantage of squeezed states over coherent ones for enhanced security and reliable communication in lossy and noisy channels. Our practical implementation, utilizing mature telecom components, could foster secure quantum metropolitan networks compatible with advanced multiplexing systems.
Quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) can transmit secret messages without keys, making it an important branch of quantum communication. We present a hybrid entanglement-based quantum secure direct communication (HE-QSDC) protocol with simple linear optical elements, combining the benefits of both continuous variables (CV) and discrete variables (DV) encoding. We analyze the security and find that the QSDC protocol has a positive security capacity when the bit error rate is less than 0.073. Compared with previous DV QSDC protocols, our protocol has higher communication efficiency due to performing nearly deterministic Bell-state measurement. On the other hand, compared with CV QSDC protocol, this protocol has higher fidelity with large α. Based on these advantages, our protocol may provide an alternative approach to realize secure communication.