The security of practical quantum key distribution

Valerio Scarani, Helle Bechmann-Pasquinucci, Nicolas J. Cerf, Miloslav Dušek, Norbert Lütkenhaus, and Momtchil Peev
Rev. Mod. Phys. 81, 1301 – Published 29 September 2009

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is the first quantum information task to reach the level of mature technology, already fit for commercialization. It aims at the creation of a secret key between authorized partners connected by a quantum channel and a classical authenticated channel. The security of the key can in principle be guaranteed without putting any restriction on an eavesdropper’s power. This article provides a concise up-to-date review of QKD, biased toward the practical side. Essential theoretical tools that have been developed to assess the security of the main experimental platforms are presented (discrete-variable, continuous-variable, and distributed-phase-reference protocols).

  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
  • Figure
2 More

    DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.81.1301

    ©2009 American Physical Society

    Authors & Affiliations

    Valerio Scarani

    • Centre for Quantum Technologies and Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117543, Singapore and Group of Applied Physics, University of Geneva, 20 rue de l'Ecole de Médicine, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland

    Helle Bechmann-Pasquinucci

    • University of Pavia, Dipartimento di Fisica “A. Volta,” via Bassi 6, I-27100 Pavia, Italy and UCCI.IT, via Olma 26, I-23888, Rovagnate (LC), Italy

    Nicolas J. Cerf

    • Quantum Information and Communication, Ecole Polytechnique, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Avenue F. D. Roosevelt 50, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium

    Miloslav Dušek

    • Department of Optics, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, 17. Iistopadu 12, 772 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic

    Norbert Lütkenhaus

    • Institute for Quantum Computing and Department for Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue W., Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada and Max Planck Research Group, Institute for Optics, Information and Photonics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Staudtstrasse 7/B2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany

    Momtchil Peev

    • Quantum Technologies, Smart Systems Division, Austrian Research Centers GmbH ARC, Donau-City, Strasse 1, 1220 Vienna, Austria

    Article Text (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand

    References (Subscription Required)

    Click to Expand
    Issue

    Vol. 81, Iss. 3 — July - September 2009

    Reuse & Permissions
    Access Options
    Author publication services for translation and copyediting assistance advertisement

    Authorization Required


    ×
    ×

    Images

    ×

    Sign up to receive regular email alerts from Reviews of Modern Physics

    Log In

    Cancel
    ×

    Search


    Article Lookup

    Paste a citation or DOI

    Enter a citation
    ×