Probabilistic one-time programs using quantum entanglement

TL;DR

This paper introduces an improved quantum protocol for one-time programs using entangled qubits, significantly enhancing performance and enabling long-term execution, demonstrated over an underground fiber link.

Contribution

The authors develop a novel entanglement-based protocol for probabilistic one-time programs, overcoming previous technological limitations and demonstrating practical feasibility in quantum networks.

Findings

Four orders of magnitude higher count rates achieved

Program execution possible long after quantum information exchange

Demonstrated over underground fiber link in Vienna

Abstract

It is well known that quantum technology allows for an unprecedented level of data and software protection for quantum computers as well as for quantum-assisted classical computers. To exploit these properties, probabilistic one-time programs have been developed, where the encoding of classical software in small quantum states enables computer programs that can be used only once. Such self-destructing one-time programs facilitate a variety of new applications reaching from software distribution to one-time delegation of signature authority. Whereas first proof-of-principle experiments demonstrated the feasibility of such schemes, the practical applications were limited due to the requirement of using the software on-the-fly combined with technological challenges due to the need for active optical switching and a large amount of classical communication. Here we present an improved protocol for one-time programs that resolves major drawbacks of previous schemes, by employing entangled qubit pairs. This results in four orders of magnitude higher count rates as well the ability to execute a program long after the quantum information exchange has taken place. We demonstrate our protocol over an underground fiber link between university buildings in downtown Vienna. Finally, together with our implementation of a one-time delegation of signature authority this emphasizes the compatibility of our scheme with prepare-and-measure quantum internet networks.