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Semi-quantum Key Agreement Protocol Using W States

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Abstract

In response to the emerging security challenges brought about by advances in quantum technology, traditional key agreement methods are encountering vulnerabilities. To address this issue, We propose a semi-quantum key agreement (SQKA) protocol that utilizes four different forms of the W state, a particle state with strong interparticle entanglement. Classical parties are pre-specified to perform distinct operations on various forms of W states, but these operations are completely random to other parties or potential attackers. Based on the sequence of measurement results transmitted by the quantum square and the pre-defined coding rules, the classical party can infer the operation performed by the other party to achieve identity authentication, and then publish the private key to generate the final key. The analysis of the protocol shows that it can effectively resist common inside and outside attacks, and has the advantage of being more efficient. In summary, by adopting SQKA protocol, we achieve a secure, fair and efficient key negotiation process, providing a feasible solution for cooperation between quantum and classical parties.

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Acknowledgements

This work is supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant No. 62172268 and 62302289；and Shanghai Science and Technology Project under Grant No. 21JC1402800 and 23YF1416200.

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  1. School of Information Engineering, Shanghai Maritime University, Shanghai, 201306, China

    Hui-Min Yi, Ri-Gui Zhou & Rui-Qing Xu

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  1. Hui-Min Yi
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Yi. wrote the main manuscript text and prepared Figures 1 and Tables 1, 2, 3 and 4. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Ri-Gui Zhou.

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Yi, HM., Zhou, RG. & Xu, RQ. Semi-quantum Key Agreement Protocol Using W States. Int J Theor Phys 62, 212 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10773-023-05467-w

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