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Eavesdropping attack on a trusted continuous-variable quantum random-number generator

Johannes Thewes, Carolin Lüders, and Marc Aßmann
Phys. Rev. A 100, 052318 – Published 13 November 2019

Abstract

Harnessing quantum processes is an efficient method to generate truly indeterministic random numbers, which are of fundamental importance for cryptographic protocols, security applications, or Monte Carlo simulations. Recently, quantum random-number generators based on continuous variables have gathered a lot of attention due to the potentially high bit rates they can deliver. Especially quadrature measurements on shot-noise-limited states have been studied in detail as they do not offer any side information to potential adversaries under ideal experimental conditions. However, they may be subject to additional classical noise beyond the quantum limit, which may become a source of side information for eavesdroppers. While such eavesdropping attacks have been investigated in theory in some detail, experimental studies are still rare. We experimentally realize a continuous-variable eavesdropping attack, based on heterodyne detection, on a trusted quantum random-number generator and discuss the limitations for secure random-number generation that arise.

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  • Received 11 June 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.100.052318

©2019 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Quantum Information, Science & Technology

Authors & Affiliations

Johannes Thewes, Carolin Lüders, and Marc Aßmann*

  • Experimentelle Physik 2, Technische Universität Dortmund, D-44221 Dortmund, Germany

  • *marc.assmann@tu-dortmund.de

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Issue

Vol. 100, Iss. 5 — November 2019

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