Fully Passive Quantum Key Distribution
Wenyuan Wang, Rong Wang, Cheng-Qiu Hu, Víctor Zapatero, Li Qian, Bing Qi, Marcos Curty, Hoi‐Kwong Lo
Abstract
We propose a fully passive linear optical quantum key distribution (QKD) source that implements both random decoy-state and encoding choices with postselection only, thus eliminating all side channels in active modulators. Our source is general purpose and can be used in, e.g., BB84, the six-state protocol, and reference-frame-independent QKD. It can even potentially be combined with measurement-device-independent QKD to achieve robustness against side channels in both detectors and modulators. We also perform a proof-of-principle experimental source characterization to show its feasibility.
Topics & Concepts
Quantum key distributionPostselectionBB84Computer scienceQuantum cryptographyRobustness (evolution)DetectorKey generationQuantumReference frameKey (lock)PhysicsAlgorithmFrame (networking)CryptographyQuantum informationQuantum mechanicsComputer networkTelecommunicationsQuantum entanglementGeneComputer securityBiochemistryChemistryQuantum Information and CryptographyQuantum Mechanics and ApplicationsQuantum optics and atomic interactions