Mutually Authenticated Quantum Key Distribution Based on Entanglement Swapping

Abstract

In order to distribute a secret key between two designated users, a mutually authenticated quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol based on entanglement swapping is proposed. Without classical information exchange, the two communication parts can securely share a session key in this protocol. Almost all qubits, except a few which are used to check the security of quantum channel, can produce the private key, and two pairs of entangled particles can generate two bits private key. The protocol is proved to secure using Stinespring dilation theorem, and the efficiency analysis is presented.