Indistinguishable encoding for bidirectional quantum key distribution: Theory to experiment

Shamsul Shaari, Jesni and Soekardjo, Suryadi (2017) Indistinguishable encoding for bidirectional quantum key distribution: Theory to experiment. EPL (Europhysics Letters),, 120 (6). p1-p7. ISSN 0295-5075 E-ISSN 1286-4854

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Abstract

We present a bidirectional quantum key distribution protocol with minimal encoding operations derived from the use of only two “nonorthogonal” unitary transformations selected from two mutually unbiased unitary bases. Differently from many bidirectional protocols, these transformations are indistinguishable in principle for a single use. Along with its decoding pro- cedure, it is unique compared to its “orthogonal encoding” predecessors. Given the nature of such protocols where key rates are usually dependent on two different types of error rates, we define a more relevant notion of security threshold for such protocols to allow for proper com- parisons to be made. The current protocol outperforms its predecessor in terms of security as the amount of information an eavesdropper can glean is limited by the indistinguishability of the transformations. We further propose adaptations for a practical scenario and report on a proof of concept experimental scheme based on polarised photons from an attenuated pulsed laser for qubits, demonstrating the feasibility of such a protocol.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	3844/62745
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Indistinguishable encoding, bidirectional quantum key distribution, theory,experiment
Subjects:	Q Science > QC Physics
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Science > Department of Physics
Depositing User:	Dr. Jesni Shamsul Shaari
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2018 10:06
Last Modified:	13 Apr 2018 10:06
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/62745

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