Secure quantum key distribution with realistic devices [article]

Feihu Xu, Xiongfeng Ma, Qiang Zhang, Hoi-Kwong Lo, Jian-Wei Pan
2020 arXiv   pre-print
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
more » ... 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.
arXiv:1903.09051v3 fatcat:6avz57mdzzhxni35bqy5vrzk3a