Security Analysis of the Multi-Photon Three-Stage Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

This paper presents a multi-stage, multi-photon quantum key distribution protocol based on the double-lock cryptography. It exploits the asymmetry in the detection strategies between the legitimate users and the eavesdropper. The security analysis of the protocol is presented with coherent states under the interceptresend attack, the photon number splitting attack, and the man-in-the-middle attack. It is found that the mean photon number can be much larger 1. This complements the recent interest in multi-photon quantum communication protocols that require a pre-shared key between the legitimate users. Multi-stage protocol; Quantum key distribution; Intercept-resend attack; Photon number splitting attack; Man-in-the-middle attack AUTHORS KEYWORDS

MQC-MB: Multiphoton Quantum Communication Using Multiple-Beam Concept in Free Space Optical Channel

“…As depicted in Figure 5, it is clear that the total loss increased with the increment of the link range for all beams. As stated before, the total loss that comes from atmospheric and geometrical attenuation can be generated using Equation ( 6) for the single beam while Equation (7) for the multiple beams. It can be seen from the graph that multiple beams are able to reduce total loss compared to the single beam.…”

“…The concept of the multiphoton QKD [3,7,8] is to use rotational polarization to exchange the key. By applying the state of polarization, the system does not require the output of one of the four states as in the BB84 scheme.…”

“…Indeed, it will create an arbitrary state of polarization, which can prevent the Man-in-the-Middle attack. The concept of the multiphoton protocol was proposed by Subhash Kak [9] for quantum cryptography to allow exchange of the keys or direct transmission of the message using the secret rotational angle of the half-wave plate over a multi-stage protocol [7] in the fully quantum channel. Multiphoton is like passing more than once on the same information.…”

Quantum Cryptography: Key Distribution and Beyond

“…Suppose Alice and Bob consume m check bits during their final test. The probability that Eve is not detected on a given bit is 3 4 , or 3 4 m on all m bits. A more detailed treatment of the above attack must compare Bob's and Eve's information gain during her attack.…”

“…Another direction in cryptography is to provide practicable tools embracing experimental limitations, e.g. quantum key distribution with pulses having mean photon number much larger than one [3].…”