Quantum multiparty key distribution protocol without use of entanglement

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel quantum key distribution protocol allowing three parties to securely share a random key without entanglement, with proven security and key rate analysis.

Contribution

It presents the first entanglement-free multiparty QKD protocol with security proof and key rate evaluation.

Findings

Protocol achieves secure three-party key sharing without entanglement

Unconditional security of the protocol is proven

Key rate is analyzed and characterized

Abstract

We propose a quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol that enables three parties agree at once on a shared common random bit string in presence of an eavesdropper without use of entanglement. We prove its unconditional security and analyze the key rate.