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arXiv · 1903.09051

Secure quantum key distribution with realistic devices

Feihu Xu·Xiongfeng Ma·Qiang Zhang·Hoi-Kwong Lo·Jian-Wei Pan
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Abstract

In principle, quantum key distribution (QKD) offers information-theoretic security based on the laws of physics. In practice, however, the imperfections of realistic devices might introduce deviations from the idealized models used in security analyses. Can quantum code-breakers successfully hack real systems by exploiting the side channels? Can quantum code-makers design innovative counter-measures to foil quantum code-breakers? This article reviews theoretical and experimental progress in the practical security aspects of quantum code-making and quantum code-breaking. After numerous attempts, researchers now thoroughly understand and are able to manage the practical imperfections. Recent advances, such as the measurement-device-independent protocol, have closed the critical side channels in the physical implementations, paving the way for secure QKD with realistic devices.

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Feihu Xu, Xiongfeng Ma, Qiang Zhang, Hoi-Kwong Lo, Jian-Wei Pan. 2020-02-19. Secure quantum key distribution with realistic devices. https://doi.org/10.1103/revmodphys.92.025002

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