Secure Quantum Communication Research Articles

Deterministic secure quantum communication with double-encoded single photons

Quantum communication is an important branch of quantum technology. It can safely transmit private information between legitimate parties and its unconditional security is guaranteed by quantum physics. So far, deterministic secure quantum communication without entanglement usually transmits single photons in two-way quantum channels. We propose a deterministic secure quantum communication proposal, and it requires a one-way quantum channel and a classical channel. In our protocol, a sender encodes logical bits by using two conjugate bases consisting of the polarization and time-bin degrees of freedom of a photon and transmits it to a receiver over a quantum channel. Upon receiving this photon, the receiver measures it randomly in two bases and can decode the bit deterministically with the help of the sender. Any attack from eavesdroppers will be detected by the legitimate parties. Furthermore, this protocol can be implemented with linear-optic elements and single-photon detectors.

State preparation error tolerant quantum key distribution protocol based on heralded single photon source

In practical quantum key distribution systems, there inevitably exist errors in the quantum state preparation process due to imperfections in realistic equipment and devices. Those errors would lead to some security loopholes in the quantum key distribution systems. According to the work of Tamaki et al. (<ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.90.0523142014"><i>Phys. Rev. A</i> <b>90</b> 052314</ext-link>), here in this work we propose a state preparation error tolerant quantum key distribution protocol through using heralded single-photon sources. In this protocol, we characterize the size of the error in the preparation state of Alice and bring it into the security analysis, thereby avoiding possible security loopholes and improving the security of the system. Moreover, we take the three-intensity decoy-state method for example to introduce the method of constructing the model and estimating the parameters, and carry out corresponding numerical simulations. We make a comparison between the loss tolerant protocol with weak coherent source (WCS) and our present protocol using heralded single-photon source (HSPS). Simulation results show that under the same state preparation error, the key generation rate of the protocol based on WCS is higher than that of protocol based on HSPS at short transmission distances (e.g. less than 150 km). The main reason is that the detection efficiency of the local detector used in the latter scheme is low. However, in the case of long transmission distances (e.g. greater than 200 km), the key generation rate of scheme with WCS drops deeply, while the decline of the key generation rate of the present scheme is much flatter. As a result, the former can no longer generate keys after 211 km, while the latter can transmit a maximum distance of 228 km. Moreover, we also make a comparison between the present scheme and the GLLP protocol with HSPS. The simulation results show that the GLLP protocol with HSPS is very sensitive to the state preparation error and its key generation rate will rapidly decrease with the increase of the state preparation error. On the contrary, our present protocol shows almost no performance degradation under practical state preparation errors. It thus verify the robustness against the state preparation errors of our present work. In addition, in principle, the method can also be combined with the measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution protocol and the twin-field quantum key distribution protocol to further increase the secure communication transmission distance that the present system can reach. Therefore, this work may provide an important reference value for the practical application of long-distance quantum secure communication in the near future.

Overview of applications of heralded single photon source in quantum key distribution

In this paper, we mainly introduce the preparation and physical properties of the heralded single-photon source, the development history and its applications in three typical quantum key distribution protocols, including BB84, measurement-device-independent and twin-field quantum key distribution protocols. Moreover, we make comparisons of the above quantum key distribution protocols between using heralded single-photon source and using weak coherent sources, and analyze their advantages and disadvantages. Besides, according to the characteristics of single-photon interference in twin-field quantum key distributions, the limitations of separately applying heralded single-photon sources to twin-field quantum key distributions are revealed, and possible solutions are discussed. Therefore, this work may provide valuable references and help for the practical implementation of quantum secure communication in the near future.

Deterministic secure quantum communication based on spatial encoding

Deterministic secure quantum communication based on spatial encoding

Enhanced discrimination of high-dimensional quantum states by concatenated optimal measurement strategies

The impossibility of deterministic and error-free discrimination among nonorthogonal quantum states lies at the core of quantum theory and constitutes a primitive for secure quantum communication. Demanding determinism leads to errors, while demanding certainty leads to some inconclusiveness. One of the most fundamental strategies developed for this task is the optimal unambiguous measurement. It encompasses conclusive results, which allow for error-free state retrodictions with the maximum success probability, and inconclusive results, which are discarded for not allowing perfect identifications. Interestingly, in high-dimensional Hilbert spaces the inconclusive results may contain valuable information about the input states. Here, we theoretically describe and experimentally demonstrate the discrimination of nonorthogonal states from both conclusive and inconclusive results in the optimal unambiguous strategy, by concatenating a minimum-error measurement at its inconclusive space. Our implementation comprises four- and nine-dimensional spatially encoded photonic states. By accessing the inconclusive space to retrieve the information that is wasted in the conventional protocol, we achieve significant increases of up to a factor of 2.07 and 3.73, respectively, in the overall probabilities of correct retrodictions. The concept of concatenated optimal measurements demonstrated here can be extended to other strategies and will enable one to explore the full potential of high-dimensional nonorthogonal states for quantum communication with larger alphabets.

Quantum steering enhancement using correlation injection structure based on a cascaded four-wave-mixing processes

Multipartite quantum steering is an essential quantum resource in the process of secure quantum communication. The enhancement of quantum steering is important for specific quantum communication tasks. In this work, we present a quadripartite quantum steering scheme based on correlation injection structure by symmetrical cascaded four-wave-mixing processes and analyze steering properties of different mode combinations. We theoretically prove that for some mode combinations, a correlation injection scheme can enhance the quantum steering under certain conditions, while for other combinations, a correlation injection scheme can decrease the quantum steering under certain conditions. The method offers a reference for the secure quantum information network.

Deterministic secure quantum communication with practical devices

Deterministic secure quantum communication (DSQC) can transmit ciphered message with information theoretical security, in which the message is directly modulated on the quantum state and transmitted from Alice to Bob. Thus, key is not pre-shared, but rather communicated after the security of the ciphered message transmission is assured. In most of previous DSQC protocols, quantum memory or entanglement is necessary, which is still a big challenge with current technology. And the imperfections of practical devices, such as loss, weak coherent source, and so on, may also down play the security and efficiency of these DSQC protocols. In this article, a DSQC protocol with practical devices is proposed. In our protocol, both quantum memory and entanglement are not require. And DSQC with distance as long as 100–200 km and repetition as high as is possible.

Vulnerability of Satellite Quantum Key Distribution to Disruption from Ground-Based Lasers.

Satellite-mediated quantum key distribution (QKD) is set to become a critical technology for quantum-secure communication over long distances. While satellite QKD cannot be effectively eavesdropped, we show it can be disrupted (or ‘jammed’) with relatively simple and readily available equipment. We developed an atmospheric attenuation and satellite optical scattering model to estimate the rate of excess noise photons that can be injected into a satellite QKD channel by an off-axis laser, and calculated the effect this added noise has on the quantum bit error rate. We show that a ground-based laser on the order of 1 kW can significantly disrupt modern satellite QKD systems due to photons scattering off the satellite being detected by the QKD receiver on the ground. This class of laser can be purchased commercially, meaning such a method of disruption could be a serious threat to effectively securing high-value communications via satellite QKD in the future. We also discuss these results in relation to likely future developments in satellite-mediated QKD systems, and countermeasures that can be taken against this, and related methods, of disruption.

Homodyne Detection Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Continuous-Variable Quantum key Distribution with High Excess Noise Tolerance

Discrete-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution with homodyne detection is widely recognized for its ease of implementation, efficiency with respect to error correction, and its compatibility with modern optical communication devices. However, recent studies report that the application of homodyne detection obtains poor tolerance to excess noise and insufficient transmission distance, hence seriously restricting the large-scale deployment of quantum secure communication networks. In this paper, we propose a homodyne detection protocol using the quadrature phase shift keying technique. By limiting information leakage, our proposed protocol enhances excess noise tolerance to a high level. Furthermore, we demonstrate that homodyne detection performs better than heterodyne detection in quaternary-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution under the untrusted detector noise scenario. The security is analyzed using the tight numerical method against collective attacks in the asymptotic regime. Our results imply that the current protocol is able to distribute keys in nearly intercity area and thus paves the way for constructing low-cost quantum secure communication networks.

A photonic integrated quantum secure communication system

A photonic integrated quantum secure communication system

Composable security for continuous variable quantum key distribution: Trust levels and practical key rates in wired and wireless networks

Continuous variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) provides a powerful setting for secure quantum communications, thanks to the use of room-temperature off-the-shelf optical devices and the potential to reach much higher rates than the standard discrete-variable counterpart. In this work, we provide a general framework for studying the composable finite-size security of CV-QKD with Gaussian-modulated coherent-state protocols under various levels of trust for the loss and noise experienced by the parties. Our study considers both wired (i.e., fiber-based) and wireless (i.e., free-space) quantum communications. In the latter case, we show that high key rates are achievable for short-range optical wireless (LiFi) in secure quantum networks with both fixed and mobile devices. Finally, we extend our investigation to microwave wireless (WiFi) discussing security and feasibility of CV-QKD for very short-range applications.

Timing and synchronisation for high‐loss free‐space quantum communication with Hybrid de Bruijn Codes

Satellite-based, long-distance free-space quantum key distribution has the potential to realise global quantum secure communication networks. Detecting faint quantum optical pulses sent from space requires highly accurate and robust classical timing systems to pick out signals from the noise and allow for reconciliation of sent and received key bits. For such high-loss applications, a fault-tolerant synchronisation signal coding and decoding scheme based on de Bruijn sequences is proposed. A representative synchronisation timing system was tested in laboratory conditions and it demonstrated high fault tolerance for the error-correction algorithm even under high loss. The performance limitations of this solution are also discussed, and the maximum error tolerance of the scheme and the estimated computational overhead are analysed, allowing for the possibility of implementation on a real-time system-on-chip. This solution not only can be used for synchronisation of high-loss channels such as channels between satellites and ground stations but can also be extended to applications with low loss, high bit error rate, but require reliable synchronisation such as quantum and non-quantum communications over terrestrial free space or fibre optic channels.

Proposal for space-borne quantum memories for global quantum networking

Global-scale quantum communication links will form the backbone of the quantum internet. However, exponential loss in optical fibres precludes any realistic application beyond few hundred kilometres. Quantum repeaters and space-based systems offer solutions to overcome this limitation. Here, we analyse the use of quantum memory (QM)-equipped satellites for quantum communication focussing on global range repeaters and memory-assisted (MA-) QKD, where QMs help increase the key rate by synchronising otherwise probabilistic detection events. We demonstrate that satellites equipped with QMs provide three orders of magnitude faster entanglement distribution rates than existing protocols based on fibre-based repeaters or space systems without QMs. We analyse how entanglement distribution performance depends on memory characteristics, determine benchmarks to assess the performance of different tasks and propose various architectures for light-matter interfaces. Our work provides a roadmap to realise unconditionally secure quantum communications over global distances with near-term technologies.

All optical metropolitan quantum key distribution network with post-quantum cryptography authentication.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides information theoretically secure key exchange requiring authentication of the classic data processing channel via pre-sharing of symmetric private keys to kick-start the process. In previous studies, the lattice-based post-quantum digital signature algorithm Aigis-Sig, combined with public-key infrastructure (PKI), was used to achieve high-efficiency quantum security authentication of QKD, and we have demonstrated its advantages in simplifying the MAN network structure and new user entry. This experiment further integrates the PQC algorithm into the commercial QKD system, the Jinan field metropolitan QKD network comprised of 14 user nodes and 5 optical switching nodes, and verifies the feasibility, effectiveness and stability of the post-quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithm and advantages of replacing trusted relays with optical switching brought by PQC authentication large-scale metropolitan area QKD network. QKD with PQC authentication has potential in quantum-secure communications, specifically in metropolitan QKD networks.

Analysis and design of secure quantum communication systems utilizing electromagnetic Schrodinger coherent states

We develop a general mathematical formalism and computational method suitable for analyzing the performance of quantum communication systems utilizing coherent radiation states (Schrodinger states). The key motivation is to demonstrate how the analysis and design of quantum communication systems may benefit from the integration of the physical structure (here, the optical quantum coherent state) with the quantum signal processing aspects (here, quantum estimation and prediction theory). As an application, we show how the quantum-electromagnetic signature of optical radiation emitted by quantum antennas, the Schrodinger's coherent state structure, may be exploited to jointly design the transmitter and receiver of a K-ary digital communication link. We present a concrete example comprised of a quantum quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) system (with ), including a complete description of the required general design principles developed from quantum mechanics and the quantum antenna's radiated coherent state structure. The simulation results illustrate improvement in spectral efficiency due to the use of over smaller values of K. We also compare the quantum antenna-based link performance with classical QAM utilizing classical antenna-based communication systems and report superiority of the quantum link over the classical version. To provide for security protection, our system is equipped with a quantum encryption protocol for quantum key distribution, and a demonstration of the complete quantum QAM system with encryption is presented. The main message of the article is the fruitfulness of incorporating a multidisciplinary approach to our thinking about electromagnetic wireless systems through the joint deployment of electromagnetic, quantum, and communication theories in the design and development process of current and future advanced technologies.

Application and research progress of quantum secure communication in power grid

Application and research progress of quantum secure communication in power grid

Controlling polarization entanglement in biphotons generated with partially spatially coherent pump beam

We theoretically study the polarization entanglement and the non-local correlations manifested by biphotons using measures as concurrence and CHSH Bell test, generated in the spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) process for partially spatially coherent pump, affected by the spatial walk-off effects of the extraordinary beam. The study has been carried out for a well-known scheme for generating polarization entanglement utilizing non-collinear, frequency degenerate SPDC process in paired type-I uniaxial crystals. It is found that the polarization entanglement changes drastically with variation in spatial coherence of the pump, offering a possibility to realize a tunable source of polarization entanglement. The study reveals the overriding role of aperture size in compensation of the effect of spatial coherence of pump on the polarization entanglement and non-local correlations, especially in the conservation of polarization entanglement for incoherent and partially coherent pump beams. Free-space quantum secure communication utilizing these quantum states possessing maximal entanglement and partially spatially coherent properties would essentially offer robustness to the losses on propagation through atmospheric turbulence, resulting in a significant enhancement in the key rate.

Heralding quantum entanglement between two room-temperature atomic ensembles

Establishing quantum entanglement between individual nodes is crucial for building large-scale quantum networks, enabling secure quantum communications, distributed quantum computing, enhanced quantum metrology, and fundamental tests of quantum mechanics. However, the shared entanglements have been merely observed in either extremely low-temperature or well-isolated systems, which limits quantum networks for real-life applications. Here, we report the realization of heralding quantum entanglement between two atomic ensembles at room temperature, which are contained in two spatially separated, centimeter-sized vapor cells. By mapping the atomic state onto a photonic state after the readout process, we measure the quantum interference of the Raman-scattered photons and reconstruct the entangled state, then we strongly verify the existence of a single excitation delocalized in two atomic ensembles. The demonstrated building block paves the way to construct quantum networks and distributing entanglement across multiple remote nodes at ambient conditions.

Reference-Frame-Independent Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution Over 200 km of Optical Fiber

Reference-frame-independent (RFI) measurement-device-independent (MDI) quantum key distribution (QKD) is immune to all detector side-channel attacks and is insensitive to slow drifts of reference frames; thus, it is a promising candidate for the realization of long-distance quantum secure communications. However, its practical performance is predominantly limited by the finite-data-size effect compared with standard MDI QKD. By combining the collective constraint and joint-study strategy with our parameter estimation processes for the RFI-MDI-QKD protocol, we reduce the influence of the finite-data-size effect and substantially improve the protocol's performance under realistic experimental conditions. Furthermore, a proof-of-principle experimental demonstration is conducted, and a transmission distance of up to 200 km is achieved. Therefore, this study represents a further step toward long-distance quantum secure communications.

Quantum blockchain system

Blockchain technology represented by Bitcoin and Ethereum has been deeply developed and widely used due to its broad application prospects such as digital currency and IoT. However, the security of the existing blockchain technologies built on the classical cryptography depends on the computational complexity problem. With the enhancement of the attackers’ computing power, especially the upcoming quantum computers, this kind of security is seriously threatened. Based on quantum hash, quantum SWAP test and quantum teleportation, a quantum blockchain system is proposed with quantum secure communication. In classical cryptographic theory sense, the security of this system is unconditional since it has nothing to do with the attackers’ computing power and computing resources.