2004/12/07 by Marcin Pawlowski, Marcin Pawłowski, Pawlowski, Marcin +2
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #FOS: Physical sciences #Quantum Computing Algorithms and Architecture #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum Physics (quant-ph) #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0412058
revtex, 2 eps figures, very preliminary version
arxiv created 2004/12/07 · openalex publication_date 2004/12/07 · arxiv updated 2009/12/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
It is known that statistical predictions of quantum theory do not depend on its interpretation. In particular, an experiment cannot distinguish between the Copenhagen interpretation (involving no hidden variables) and the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation based on nonlocal hidden variables. Quantum cryptographic protocols, such as BB84 or E91, are secure and mutually equivalent as long as one works within the framework of Copenhagen interpretation. But they are inequivalent and insecure if one considers attacks allowed by the de Broglie-Bohm interpretation. The fundametal problem of quantum cryptography is therefore this: Are all the statements about security of quantum protocols based on our belief in one of the two allowed interpretations of quantum mechanics? We show that this is not the case. Ekert-type protocols can be modified in a way that makes them secure even if the de Broglie-Bohm nonlocal hidden variables exist. Bennett-Brassard-type cryptography does not seem to allow for such a correction.