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Quantum key distribution in the Holevo limit

Adan Cabello
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Abstract

A theorem by Shannon and the Holevo theorem impose that the efficiency of any protocol for quantum key distribution, $\cal E$, defined as the number of secret (i.e., allowing eavesdropping detection) bits per transmitted bit plus qubit, is ${\cal E} \le 1$. The problem addressed here is whether the limit ${\cal E} =1$ can be achieved. It is showed that it can be done by splitting the secret bits between several qubits and forcing Eve to have only a sequential access to the qubits, as proposed by Goldenberg and Vaidman. A protocol with ${\cal E} =1$ based on polarized photons and in which Bob's state discrimination can be implemented with linear optical elements is presented.

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Adan Cabello. 2000-12-18. Quantum key distribution in the Holevo limit. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.85.5635

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