2016/10/31 by Poompong Chaiwongkhot, Shihan Sajeed, Lars Lydersen +1 · 29 citations
Computer Science · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Statistical Modeling Techniques #Certification #Cryptography #Key (lock) #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Quantum Mechanics and Applications #Quantum key distribution #Software #Standardization #Upper and lower bounds #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1088/2058-9565/aa804b
published in Quantum Science and Technology 2(4), 044003 (IOP Publishing) · 6 pages, 3 figures, accepted for publication in Quantum Science and Technology
openalex created_date 2016/11/04 · arxiv created 2017/07/24 · openalex publication_date 2017/08/14 · arxiv updated 2017/08/29 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
Abstract A security evaluation against the finite-key-size effect was performed for a commercial plug-and-play quantum key distribution (QKD) system. We demonstrate the ability of an eavesdropper to force the system to distill key from a smaller length of sifted-key. We also derive a key-rate equation that is specific for this system. This equation provides bounds above the upper bound of secure key under finite-key-size analysis. From this equation and our experimental data, we show that the keys that have been distilled from the smaller sifted-key size fall above our bound. Thus, their security is not covered by finite-key-size analysis. Experimentally, we could consistently force the system to generate the key outside of the bound. We also test manufacturer’s software update. Although all the keys after the patch fall under our bound, their security cannot be guaranteed under this analysis. Our methodology can be used for security certification and standardization of QKD systems.