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Some physics and system issues in the security analysis of quantum key distribution protocols

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Abstract

In this paper, we review a number of issues on the security of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols that bear directly on the relevant physics or mathematical representation of the QKD cryptosystem. It is shown that the cryptosystem representation itself may miss out many possible attacks, which are not accounted for in the security analysis and proofs. Hence, the final security claims drawn from such analysis are not reliable, apart from foundational issues about the security criteria that are discussed elsewhere. The cases of continuous-variable QKD and multi-photon sources are elaborated upon.

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Acknowledgments

The work reported in this article was supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research and the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA

    Horace P. Yuen

  2. Department of Physics and Astronomy, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA

    Horace P. Yuen

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  1. Horace P. Yuen
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Correspondence to Horace P. Yuen.

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Yuen, H.P. Some physics and system issues in the security analysis of quantum key distribution protocols. Quantum Inf Process 13, 2241–2254 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-014-0756-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11128-014-0756-4

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