Netinfo Security ›› 2024, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (6): 879-892.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1671-1122.2024.06.006

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High-Dimensional Quantum Key Distribution via Time-Bin Multiplexing and Applications

YANG Yuguang1(), LIU Bingxin1, XU Guangbao2, JIANG Donghuan3   

  1. 1. Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
    2. College of Computer Science and Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
    3. College of Mathematics and Systems Science, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266590, China
  • Received:2024-02-14 Online:2024-06-10 Published:2024-07-05

Abstract:

High-dimensional quantum key distribution (HD-QKD) can provide higher secret key rates and tolerate more noise than two-dimensional QKD. However, the manipulation of quantum systems of higher dimensions limits the practicality in quantum communications. This article presented an alternative protocol for HD-QKD based on time-bin multiplexing. Parallel entanglement was first created between multiple pairs of two-dimensional quantum memories (QMs) located as two communicating parties in a heralded way by means of single photons with high-dimensional encoding. Then by performing Bell state measurements on their QMs by twos, two communicating parties could detect eavesdropping and obtain the secret key. No alternative measurements were needed to check security. This made the present HD-QKD protocol cost-effective and efficient. Furthermore, this article obtained the condition that the optimal key capacity was achieved. This article also discussed two other important cryptographic applications based on the present HD-QKD protocol, deterministic secure quantum communication and quantum privacy query, where the significant increased in efficiency over the existing methods can be achieved. In summary, the time-bin multiplexing method has strong capabilities in solving cryptographic problems.

Key words: quantum key distribution, time-bin multiplexing, high-dimensional encoding

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