Multi-user quantum key distribution with collective eavesdropping detection over collective-noise channels

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-user quantum key distribution protocol over star networks that employs collective eavesdropping detection and fault-tolerance to enhance security over noisy channels.

Contribution

It presents a novel multi-user QKD protocol with collective eavesdropping detection and three fault-tolerant versions for collective-noise channels.

Findings

Protocol enables secure key distribution between any two users via a central node.

Fault-tolerant protocols effectively combat errors in collective-noise environments.

Security is guaranteed by quantum operation discrimination theorems.

Abstract

A multi-user quantum key distribution protocol is proposed with single particles and the collective eavesdropping detection strategy on a star network. By utilizing this protocol, any two users of the network can accomplish quantum key distribution with the help of a serving center. Due to the utilization of collective eavesdropping detection strategy, the users of the protocol just need have the ability of performing certain unitary operations. Furthermore, we present three fault-tolerant versions of the proposed protocol, which can combat with the errors over different collective-noise channels. The security of all the proposed protocols is guaranteed by the theorems on quantum operation discrimination.