Abstract
One of the major problems in the field of quantum key distribution (QKD) is the low key rates at which the systems operate. The reasons for this are the processes used to ensure the key distribution itself: sifting, parameter estimation, key reconciliation, and privacy amplification. So, this reduction in the rate of communication is inherent to all existing quantum key distribution schemes. This paper is concerned with proposing a solution to mitigate the rate reduction of the so-called relativistic QKD. To mitigate the reduction, we introduce a modified relativistic QKD protocol, which is based on Mach–Zehnder interferometer being used as a probabilistic basis selection system (basis misalignment occurs between the parties in approximately half of the transferred qubits). The interferometric scheme allows the participating parties to correlate the mutual unbiased bases (MUBs) chosen by them. In this regard, a qubit could be used to transfer more than one bit of information. To be precise, by implementing the proposed interferometric scheme into a relativistic QKD protocol, a qubit is able to transfer two bits of information. This results in achieving a protocol, which is characterized with a greater rate of communication, two times greater than the usual rate. The modified protocol is proven to be secure against intercept-resend and collective attacks.
Highlights
MethodsWe present an interferometric scheme (practical scheme) that is used for a basis of the key distribution proposed later on
The paper reports an one-photon relativistic quantum key distribution protocol that is based on using an interferometric scheme (Mach–Zehnder interferometer) to transfer data from one party to another
To be utilized in a key distribution system, the interferometer includes phase shift at each of its arms: one phase shift is controlled by the sender, whereas the other phase shift is controlled by the recipient
Summary
We present an interferometric scheme (practical scheme) that is used for a basis of the key distribution proposed later on. The scheme consists of a Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) involving phase shifts at its a rms[4,41]. Compared to the interferometer of Ref.[46], the present scheme involves phase shifts (PSA and PSB), one at each arm of the interferometer[4,41]. The phase shifts are used to control the output at which a given input system q goes through. As pointed out and thoroughly explained in Refs.[41,46], when PSA = PSB (or there are no phase shifts in the scheme) the input qubit q goes through the upper output (X-basis output of the scheme, see Fig. 1). We should note that the global phase of the output qubit q is neglected, because it does not play a role in a measurement procedure after all. A given measurement system (X-basis or Z-basis system) consists of polarization beam splitter and two detectors, which distinguish the orthogonal states of a given basis
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