Quantum secured LiDAR with Gaussian modulated coherent states

TL;DR

This paper introduces a quantum-secured LiDAR system using Gaussian modulated coherent states, enhancing security against spoofing attacks by detecting excess noise and accurately determining target range.

Contribution

It presents a novel quantum LiDAR protocol that combines range measurement and spoofing detection using Gaussian states, with demonstrated feasibility through numerical simulations.

Findings

High probability of detecting spoofing attacks

Low false-alarm rate in attack detection

Feasible implementation with current technology

Abstract

LiDAR systems that rely on classical signals are susceptible to intercept-and-recent spoofing attacks, where a target attempts to avoid detection. To address this vulnerability, we propose a quantum-secured LiDAR protocol that utilizes Gaussian modulated coherent states for both range determination and spoofing attack detection. By leveraging the Gaussian nature of the signals, the LiDAR system can accurately determine the range of the target through cross-correlation analysis. Additionally, by estimating the excess noise of the LiDAR system, the spoofing attack performed by the target can be detected, as it can introduce additional noise to the signals. We have developed a model for target detection and security check, and conducted numerical simulations to evaluate the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) of the LiDAR system. The results indicate that an intercept-and-recent spoofing attack can be detected with a high probability at a low false-alarm rate. Furthermore, the proposed method can be implemented using currently available technology, highlighting its feasibility and practicality in real-world applications.