Abstract
Quantum cryptography allows one to distribute a secret key between two remote parties using the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics. The well-known established paradigm for the quantum key distribution relies on the actual transmission of signal particle through a quantum channel. In this Letter, we show that the task of a secret key distribution can be accomplished even though a particle carrying secret information is not in fact transmitted through the quantum channel. The proposed protocols can be implemented with current technologies and provide practical security advantages by eliminating the possibility that an eavesdropper can directly access the entire quantum system of each signal particle.
- Received 16 October 2008
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.230501
©2009 American Physical Society
Synopsis
When the quantum dog doesn’t bark
Published 21 December 2009
The mere possibility of a quantum transmission, rather than its actual occurrence, may enable key distribution in quantum cryptography.
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