Reverse reconciliation protocols for quantum cryptography with continuous variables

Frédéric Grosshans (1) , Philippe Grangier (1)

1 Laboratoire Charles Fabry de l'Institut d'Optique / Optique quantique

We introduce new quantum key distribution protocols using quantum continuous variables, that are secure against individual attacks for any transmission of the optical line between Alice and Bob. In particular, it is not required that this transmission is larger than 50 %. Though squeezing or entanglement may be helpful, they are not required, and there is no need for quantum memories or entanglement purification. These protocols can thus be implemented using coherent states and homodyne detection, and they may be more efficient than usual protocols using quantum discrete variables.

Domaines: Physique Quantique [quant-ph]

Frédéric Grosshans, Philippe Grangier. Reverse reconciliation protocols for quantum cryptography with continuous variables. 2002. ⟨hal-00509122⟩