Efficient quantum private comparison employing single photons and collective detection

Abstract

Two efficient quantum private comparison (QPC) protocols are proposed, employing single photons and collective detection. In the proposed protocols, two distrustful parties (Alice and Bob) compare the equivalence of information with the help of a semi-honest third party (TP). Utilizing collective detection, the cost of practical realization is reduced greatly. In the first protocol, TP gains the result of the comparison. While in the second protocol, TP cannot get the comparison result. In both of our protocols, Alice and Bob only need be equipped with unitary operation machines, such as phase plates. So Alice and Bob need not to have the expensive quantum devices, such as qubit generating machine, quantum memory machine and quantum measuring machine. Security of the protocols is ensured by theorems on quantum operation discrimination.