Measure-resend authenticated semi-quantum key distribution with single photons

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new measure-resend semi-quantum key distribution protocol that reduces quantum resource requirements, uses fewer pre-shared key bits, and offers improved qubit efficiency, with proven security against collective attacks.

Contribution

A novel measure-resend ASQKD protocol that enhances efficiency and security while lowering quantum resource demands compared to previous protocols.

Findings

Requires fewer quantum resources than prior protocols

Uses fewer pre-shared key bits

Proven secure against collective attacks

Abstract

Yu et al. and Li et al. have proposed the measure-resend protocols of authenticated semi-quantum key distribution (ASQKD). A new measure-resend ASQKD protocol is proposed in this paper, which requires a lower burden of quantum resource, needs fewer bits of the pre-shared key, and even provides better qubit efficiency than their protocols. The security proof shows the robustness of the proposed protocol under the collective attack.