110 research outputs found
Improvement of continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems by using optical preamplifiers
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocols, based on Gaussian
modulation of the quadratures of coherent states, have been implemented in
recent experiments. A present limitation of such systems is the finite
efficiency of the detectors, which can in principle be compensated for by the
use of classical optical preamplifiers. Here we study this possibility in
detail, by deriving the modified secret key generation rates when an optical
parametric amplifier is placed at the output of the quantum channel. After
presenting a general set of security proofs, we show that the use of
preamplifiers does compensate for all the imperfections of the detectors when
the amplifier is optimal in terms of gain and noise. Imperfect amplifiers can
also enhance the system performance, under conditions which are generally
satisfied in practice.Comment: 11 pages, 7 figures, submitted to J. Phys. B (special issue on Few
Atoms Optics
High rate, long-distance quantum key distribution over 250km of ultra low loss fibres
We present a fully automated quantum key distribution prototype running at
625 MHz clock rate. Taking advantage of ultra low loss fibres and low-noise
superconducting detectors, we can distribute 6,000 secret bits per second over
100 km and 15 bits per second over 250km
Triplet-like correlation symmetry of continuous variable entangled states
We report on a continuous variable analogue of the triplet two-qubit Bell
states. We theoretically and experimentally demonstrate a remarkable similarity
of two-mode continuous variable entangled states with triplet Bell states with
respect to their correlation patterns. Borrowing from the two qubit language,
we call these correlations triplet-like.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Comments are welcom
Quantum Forbidden-Interval Theorems for Stochastic Resonance
We extend the classical forbidden-interval theorems for a
stochastic-resonance noise benefit in a nonlinear system to a quantum-optical
communication model and a continuous-variable quantum key distribution model.
Each quantum forbidden-interval theorem gives a necessary and sufficient
condition that determines whether stochastic resonance occurs in quantum
communication of classical messages. The quantum theorems apply to any quantum
noise source that has finite variance or that comes from the family of
infinite-variance alpha-stable probability densities. Simulations show the
noise benefits for the basic quantum communication model and the
continuous-variable quantum key distribution model.Comment: 13 pages, 2 figure
Field test of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution prototype
We have designed and realized a prototype that implements a
continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol based on coherent states
and reverse reconciliation. The system uses time and polarization multiplexing
for optimal transmission and detection of the signal and phase reference, and
employs sophisticated error-correction codes for reconciliation. The security
of the system is guaranteed against general coherent eavesdropping attacks. The
performance of the prototype was tested over preinstalled optical fibres as
part of a quantum cryptography network combining different quantum key
distribution technologies. The stable and automatic operation of the prototype
over 57 hours yielded an average secret key distribution rate of 8 kbit/s over
a 3 dB loss optical fibre, including the key extraction process and all quantum
and classical communication. This system is therefore ideal for securing
communications in metropolitan size networks with high speed requirements.Comment: 15 pages, 6 figures, submitted to New Journal of Physics (Special
issue on Quantum Cryptography
Feasibility of free space quantum key distribution with coherent polarization states
We demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of free space quantum key
distribution with continuous variables under real atmospheric conditions. More
specifically, we transmit coherent polarization states over a 100m free space
channel on the roof of our institute's building. In our scheme, signal and
local oscillator are combined in a single spatial mode which auto-compensates
atmospheric fluctuations and results in an excellent interference. Furthermore,
the local oscillator acts as spatial and spectral filter thus allowing
unrestrained daylight operation.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figures, extensions in sections 2, 3.1, 3.2 and 4. This
is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for
publication in New Journal of Physics (Special Issue on Quantum Cryptography:
Theory and Practice). IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or
omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from i
Device-independent quantum key distribution secure against collective attacks
Device-independent quantum key distribution (DIQKD) represents a relaxation
of the security assumptions made in usual quantum key distribution (QKD). As in
usual QKD, the security of DIQKD follows from the laws of quantum physics, but
contrary to usual QKD, it does not rely on any assumptions about the internal
working of the quantum devices used in the protocol. We present here in detail
the security proof for a DIQKD protocol introduced in [Phys. Rev. Lett. 98,
230501 (2008)]. This proof exploits the full structure of quantum theory (as
opposed to other proofs that exploit the no-signalling principle only), but
only holds again collective attacks, where the eavesdropper is assumed to act
on the quantum systems of the honest parties independently and identically at
each round of the protocol (although she can act coherently on her systems at
any time). The security of any DIQKD protocol necessarily relies on the
violation of a Bell inequality. We discuss the issue of loopholes in Bell
experiments in this context.Comment: 25 pages, 3 figure
Composability in quantum cryptography
In this article, we review several aspects of composability in the context of
quantum cryptography. The first part is devoted to key distribution. We discuss
the security criteria that a quantum key distribution protocol must fulfill to
allow its safe use within a larger security application (e.g., for secure
message transmission). To illustrate the practical use of composability, we
show how to generate a continuous key stream by sequentially composing rounds
of a quantum key distribution protocol. In a second part, we take a more
general point of view, which is necessary for the study of cryptographic
situations involving, for example, mutually distrustful parties. We explain the
universal composability framework and state the composition theorem which
guarantees that secure protocols can securely be composed to larger
applicationsComment: 18 pages, 2 figure
Path Selection for Quantum Repeater Networks
Quantum networks will support long-distance quantum key distribution (QKD)
and distributed quantum computation, and are an active area of both
experimental and theoretical research. Here, we present an analysis of
topologically complex networks of quantum repeaters composed of heterogeneous
links. Quantum networks have fundamental behavioral differences from classical
networks; the delicacy of quantum states makes a practical path selection
algorithm imperative, but classical notions of resource utilization are not
directly applicable, rendering known path selection mechanisms inadequate. To
adapt Dijkstra's algorithm for quantum repeater networks that generate
entangled Bell pairs, we quantify the key differences and define a link cost
metric, seconds per Bell pair of a particular fidelity, where a single Bell
pair is the resource consumed to perform one quantum teleportation. Simulations
that include both the physical interactions and the extensive classical
messaging confirm that Dijkstra's algorithm works well in a quantum context.
Simulating about three hundred heterogeneous paths, comparing our path cost and
the total work along the path gives a coefficient of determination of 0.88 or
better.Comment: 12 pages, 8 figure
Controlling passively-quenched single photon detectors by bright light
Single photon detectors based on passively-quenched avalanche photodiodes can
be temporarily blinded by relatively bright light, of intensity less than a
nanowatt. I describe a bright-light regime suitable for attacking a quantum key
distribution system containing such detectors. In this regime, all single
photon detectors in the receiver Bob are uniformly blinded by continuous
illumination coming from the eavesdropper Eve. When Eve needs a certain
detector in Bob to produce a click, she modifies polarization (or other
parameter used to encode quantum states) of the light she sends to Bob such
that the target detector stops receiving light while the other detector(s)
continue to be illuminated. The target detector regains single photon
sensitivity and, when Eve modifies the polarization again, produces a single
click. Thus, Eve has full control of Bob and can do a successful
intercept-resend attack. To check the feasibility of the attack, 3 different
models of passively-quenched detectors have been tested. In the experiment, I
have simulated the intensity diagrams the detectors would receive in a real
quantum key distribution system under attack. Control parameters and side
effects are considered. It appears that the attack could be practically
possible.Comment: Experimental results from a third detector model added. Minor
corrections and edits made. 11 pages, 10 figure
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