Multi-Photon Quantum Key Distribution Based on Double-Lock Encryption

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-photon quantum key distribution protocol utilizing double-lock encryption, enhancing security against various attacks and allowing larger photon numbers, advancing multi-photon quantum communication methods.

Contribution

It proposes a novel multi-stage, multi-photon QKD protocol based on double-lock cryptography, with security analysis against multiple attack strategies.

Findings

Mean photon number can be much larger than one.

Protocol is secure against intercept-resend, photon number splitting, and man-in-the-middle attacks.

Supports multi-photon quantum communication with pre-shared keys.

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 intercept-resend 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 than one. This complements the recent interest in multi-photon quantum communication protocols that require a pre-shared key between the legitimate users.