Mediated Asymmetric Semi-Quantum Key Distribution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new mediated asymmetric semi-quantum key distribution protocol enabling classical parties with limited quantum abilities to securely share keys, even with a dishonest third party, and proposes an improved version with reduced quantum requirements.

Contribution

It presents a novel MASQKD protocol that is secure against known attacks and reduces quantum capabilities needed for one participant.

Findings

Protocol is immune to several well-known attacks

An improved protocol further reduces quantum capabilities

Secure key sharing with limited quantum participants

Abstract

This study proposes a new mediated asymmetric semi-quantum key distribution (MASQKD) protocol. With the help of a dishonest third party, two classical participants, who have only limited asymmetric quantum capabilities, can share a secret key with each other. The proposed protocol is shown to be immune to several well-known attacks. Furthermore, an improved MASQKD protocol is proposed in which the quantum capabilities of one participant can be further reduced.