Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution

Hoi-Kwong Lo, Marcos Curty, and Bing Qi
Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 130503 – Published 30 March 2012
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Abstract

How to remove detector side channel attacks has been a notoriously hard problem in quantum cryptography. Here, we propose a simple solution to this problem—measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (QKD). It not only removes all detector side channels, but also doubles the secure distance with conventional lasers. Our proposal can be implemented with standard optical components with low detection efficiency and highly lossy channels. In contrast to the previous solution of full device independent QKD, the realization of our idea does not require detectors of near unity detection efficiency in combination with a qubit amplifier (based on teleportation) or a quantum nondemolition measurement of the number of photons in a pulse. Furthermore, its key generation rate is many orders of magnitude higher than that based on full device independent QKD. The results show that long-distance quantum cryptography over say 200 km will remain secure even with seriously flawed detectors.

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  • Received 13 October 2011

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.130503

© 2012 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Hoi-Kwong Lo1, Marcos Curty2, and Bing Qi1

  • 1Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Control, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Department of Physics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3G4, Canada
  • 2Escuela de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación, Department of Signal Theory and Communications, University of Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, 36310, Spain

See Also

Side-Channel-Free Quantum Key Distribution

Samuel L. Braunstein and Stefano Pirandola
Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 130502 (2012)

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Vol. 108, Iss. 13 — 30 March 2012

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