In this dissertation it is realized a study about quantum key distribution (QKD) in optical networks. Initially, a review of the theory of quantum key distribution and some of its implementations with strongly attenuated coherent states, as well a review of an optical system for physical encryptation using mesoscopic coherent states are realized. Following, it is analyzed the use of an error correction scheme in the physical encryptation system, and two new schemes for quantum key distribution are proposed. The first is a possible implementation of a hybrid system, that is, using weak and mesoscopic coherent states, for QKD and quantum authentication of classical messages. The second is an implementation of a QKD system based on relative phase modulation of sidebands frequency, using two RF carriers and an amplitude modulator in Alice and a phase modulator in Bob. After, an experimental realization of a simple QKD setup using polarization states of strongly attenuated coherent states for B92 protocol is presented. At last, it is realized an experimental characterization of an optical receiver for optical communication applications.
In this dissertation it is realized a study about quantum key distribution (QKD) in optical networks. Initially, a review of the theory of quantum key distribution and some of its implementations with strongly attenuated coherent states, as well a review of an optical system for physical encryptation using mesoscopic coherent states are realized. Following, it is analyzed the use of an error correction scheme in the physical encryptation system, and two new schemes for quantum key distribution are proposed. The first is a possible implementation of a hybrid system, that is, using weak and mesoscopic coherent states, for QKD and quantum authentication of classical messages. The second is an implementation of a QKD system based on relative phase modulation of sidebands frequency, using two RF carriers and an amplitude modulator in Alice and a phase modulator in Bob. After, an experimental realization of a simple QKD setup using polarization states of strongly attenuated coherent states for B92 protocol is presented. At last, it is realized an experimental characterization of an optical receiver for optical communication applications.
In this dissertation it is realized a study about quantum key distribution (QKD) in optical networks. Initially, a review of the theory of quantum key distribution and some of its implementations with strongly attenuated coherent states, as well a review of an optical system for physical encryptation using mesoscopic coherent states are realized. Following, it is analyzed the use of an error correction scheme in the physical encryptation system, and two new schemes for quantum key distribution are proposed. The first is a possible implementation of a hybrid system, that is, using weak and mesoscopic coherent states, for QKD and quantum authentication of classical messages. The second is an implementation of a QKD system based on relative phase modulation of sidebands frequency, using two RF carriers and an amplitude modulator in Alice and a phase modulator in Bob. After, an experimental realization of a simple QKD setup using polarization states of strongly attenuated coherent states for B92 protocol is presented. At last, it is realized an experimental characterization of an optical receiver for optical communication applications.
In this dissertation, it is realized a study of light polarization and its applications in quantum communications. Initially, the mathematical tools needed for single-photon and coherent states polarization analyses are presented: coherence matrix, Stokes parameters and polarization degree. Following, using numerical simulations, it is presented the variation of the degree of polarization of a single-photon pulse during depolarizing channel propagation. At last, the result of an experiment using coherent states, aiming to measure the degree of polarization after propagation in 200 m optical fiber is presented. The experiment is useful for determination of the parameter of the qubit depolarizing channel model. Since light polarization is easily changed when environment fluctuations are present during fiber propagation, optical schemes able to correct unpredictable polarization changes are studied. Such schemes are employed for error correction in quantum communication systems. Based on already proposed error correction schemes, two new schemes are proposed, one for systems that employs polarization of singlephoton light, and other for systems that employs polarization of two-mode coherent states, being the first active, that is, requiring a control and synchronism protocol, while the second is passive. At last, it is realized a security analysis of a quantum key distribution system, employing the proposed error correction scheme, when the same is under Fuch-Peres-Brandt attack. It is shown that using the proposed error correction scheme the presence of an eavesdropper monitoring the quantum channel is more visible.
The first part of the present thesis brings optical setups based on optoelectronic oscillators for realization of key distribution, in optical networks, with security based on quantum physics and chaotic systems principles. Three optical setups are proposed: I) A setup for chaotic key distribution. II) A setup for quantum secured chaotic key distribution. III) A setup for quantum-chaotic key distribution, in which quantum and chaotic systems are integrated. In all cases the security analysis is realized. All three systems proved to be viable without the safest quantum-chaotic system. In the second part of the thesis, experimental aspects of photonic generation of microwave signals using fiber optical resonator are considered. Experiments for harmonic generation using amplitude and phase modulators in the optical loop were realized. It can be verified that the systems with phase modulators present a greater amount of harmonics generated.
This thesis can be divided in three parts: I) Security analysis of quantum bit commitment (QBC). II) Quantum-chaotic key distribution (QCKD) using multiphoton pulses. III) Homodyne detection of weak coherent states. In respect to the security analysis of quantum bit commitment, it was shown that if one takes into account the spectral width of the light pulses and the frequency dependence of optical quantum gates, the QBC, contrary to what was previously considered, is not unconditionally insecure. In what concerns the QCKD, the usage of coherent states with continuous phase forces the eavesdropper to use an attack based on quantum homodyne tomography. In this case, it was shown that the transmitter can use coherent states with mean photon number much larger than the value traditionally used in quantum key distribution QKD, and the QCKD will still be secure. At last, in the homodyne detection part, an experiment was realized showing the detection, by an optical receiver based on PIN photodiode, of an analog modulating signal carried by a strongly attenuated coherent state.
The goal of quantum key distribution is to safely transfer secret data between two legitimate users through an unreliable network. This is done so by exploiting the properties of quantum mechanics. The security proofs of standard quantum key distribution protocols rely heavily on the characterization of the measurements and prepared quantum states. These assumptions, however, prove to be difficult to meet in real-life implementations. The obvious solution would come as device-independent (DI) security proofs. However, this type of implementation remains a challenge to this day. The alternative to DI found was a semi-device independent approach. Here the devices are non-characterized, and the only assumption made is the inner product information of the sent coherent states. As it is currently one of the most well-established quantum-information technologies, I shall provide a brief introduction and state-of-the-art of quantum key distribution. In this dissertation, I will expound on the implementation of a semi-device independent quantum key distribution protocol. Firstly, state preparation is discussed. The accuracy of the state preparation as well as the measurement operation will have a great impact on the performance of the protocol based on polarization states encoded on weak coherent light pulses. To ensure these are correctly implemented, a full characterization of the polarization controllers used to encode the states is made. After that, the estimation of the parameters needed to prepare the desired polarization states and their respective optimization is explained. In this chapter, the building of the systems needed to control the polarization is also discussed. In the second part of the dissertation, the experimental implementation of the semi-device independent protocol is examined in more depth. Here, the components used shall be specified and their choice is explained. The full control of the experimental set-up will also be discussed. This includes an analysis of the alignment procedures and a characterization of the weak coherent pulses. Lastly, we shall discuss the experimental realization of the protocol and the discussion of the obtained results.
The quantum key distribution (QKD) method allows for the safe creation of encryption keys between trusted entities for secure communication. The suggested system is designed to enable secure communication between multiple parties (a single sender, Alice, and multiple receivers, Bobs) connected via a public channel susceptible to interception. It enables Alice to privately share encryption keys with each Bob over dedicated quantum channels, which can then be used to decrypt messages sent over the public network. The procedure involves Alice generating optical signals with randomly assigned properties such as intensity, phase, polarization, and frequencies. Alice randomly sends either signal states carrying information or decoy states with different frequencies to the receivers (Bobs) over the quantum channels. She also sends a synchronization signal for timing alignment with the quantum signals over the optical links. At the receiving end, the synchronization pulse timestamps the incoming quantum signals. Each Bob then randomly alters the frequencies of the received quantum signals and randomly measures their phase or polarization. The key is created from the frequency, phase, or polarization information of the quantum signals, resulting in longer keys. Key management agents manage the securely QKD-generated keys to encrypt information before sending it to the intended receivers. Essentially, this framework establishes authenticated, private communication by using QKD over dedicated ultra-secure quantum links to distribute decryption keys, ensuring that only intended users can access the content. The approach is designed to ensure end-to-end secure communication across the network.