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Restricted attacks on semi-quantum key distribution protocols

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Abstract

In this paper, we investigate single-state, semi-quantum key distribution protocols. These are protocols whereby one party is limited to measuring only in the computational basis, while the other, though capable of measuring in both computational and Hadamard bases, is limited to preparing and sending only a single, publicly known qubit state. Such protocols rely necessarily on a two-way quantum communication channel making their security analysis difficult. However, we will show that, for single-state protocols, we need only consider a restricted attack operation by Eve. We will also describe a new single-state protocol that permits “reflections” to carry information and use our results concerning restricted attacks to show its robustness.

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Antonio R. Nicolosi and the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments, all of which greatly improved the quality of this paper.

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  1. Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ, 07030, USA

    Walter O. Krawec

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  1. Walter O. Krawec
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Correspondence to Walter O. Krawec.

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Krawec, W.O. Restricted attacks on semi-quantum key distribution protocols. Quantum Inf Process 13, 2417–2436 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-014-0802-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-014-0802-2

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