Revealing of photon-number splitting attack on quantum key distribution system by photon-number resolving devices

International Conference of Young Scientists and Specialists "Optics-2015"

Gaidash, A.A.^1 ; Egorov, V.I.^1 ; Gleim, A.V.^1,2

ITMO University, Kronverkskiy pr. 49, St.Petersburg

197101, Russia^1

Kazan National Research Technical University, K.Marx st. 10, Kazan

420111, Russia^2

关键词: Approximate orders;    Attenuated laser;    Cryptographic protocols;    Multiphoton state;    Photon number resolving;    Photon-number statistics;    Photon-number-splitting attacks;    Quantum key distribution systems;   

Others  :  https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/735/1/012072/pdf
DOI  :  10.1088/1742-6596/735/1/012072

来源: IOP

【 摘 要 】

Quantum cryptography allows distributing secure keys between two users so that any performed eavesdropping attempt would be immediately discovered. However, in practice an eavesdropper can obtain key information from multi-photon states when attenuated laser radiation is used as a source of quantum states. In order to prevent actions of an eavesdropper, it is generally suggested to implement special cryptographic protocols, like decoy states or SARG04. In this paper, we describe an alternative method based on monitoring photon number statistics after detection. We provide a useful rule of thumb to estimate approximate order of difference of expected distribution and distribution in case of attack. Formula for calculating a minimum value of total pulses or time-gaps to resolve attack is shown. Also formulas for actual fraction of raw key known to Eve were derived. This method can therefore be used with any system and even combining with mentioned special protocols.