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No Signaling and Quantum Key Distribution

Jonathan Barrett, Lucien Hardy, and Adrian Kent
Phys. Rev. Lett. 95, 010503 – Published 27 June 2005
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Abstract

Standard quantum key distribution protocols are provably secure against eavesdropping attacks, if quantum theory is correct. It is theoretically interesting to know if we need to assume the validity of quantum theory to prove the security of quantum key distribution, or whether its security can be based on other physical principles. The question would also be of practical interest if quantum mechanics were ever to fail in some regime, because a scientifically and technologically advanced eavesdropper could perhaps use postquantum physics to extract information from quantum communications without necessarily causing the quantum state disturbances on which existing security proofs rely. Here we describe a key distribution scheme provably secure against general attacks by a postquantum eavesdropper limited only by the impossibility of superluminal signaling. Its security stems from violation of a Bell inequality.

  • Received 19 May 2004

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.95.010503

©2005 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Jonathan Barrett1,2,*, Lucien Hardy3,†, and Adrian Kent4,‡

  • 1Physique Théorique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, CP 225, Boulevard du Triomphe, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
  • 2Centre for Quantum Information and Communication, CP 165/59, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F. D. Roosevelt 50, 1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
  • 3Perimeter Institute, 35 King Street North, Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2W9, Canada
  • 4Centre for Quantum Computation, DAMTP, Centre for Mathematical Sciences, University of Cambridge, Wilberforce Road, Cambridge CB3 0WA, United Kingdom

  • *Electronic address: jbarrett@perimeterinstitute.ca
  • Electronic address: lhardy@perimeterinstitute.ca
  • Electronic address: A.P.A.Kent@damtp.cam.ac.uk

See Also

Thwarting Post-Quantum Spies

Adrian Cho
Phys. Rev. Focus 15, 22 (2005)

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Issue

Vol. 95, Iss. 1 — 1 July 2005

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