Countering detector manipulation attacks in quantum communication through detector self-testing
In practical quantum key distribution systems, imperfect physical devices open security loopholes that challenge the core promise of this technology. Apart from various side channels, a vulnerability of single-photon detectors to blinding attacks has been one of the biggest concerns and has been add...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
AIP Publishing LLC
2025-01-01
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| Series: | APL Photonics |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/5.0233772 |
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| Summary: | In practical quantum key distribution systems, imperfect physical devices open security loopholes that challenge the core promise of this technology. Apart from various side channels, a vulnerability of single-photon detectors to blinding attacks has been one of the biggest concerns and has been addressed both by technical means as well as advanced protocols. In this work, we present a countermeasure against such attacks based on self-testing of detectors to confirm their intended operation without relying on specific aspects of their inner working and to reveal any manipulation attempts. We experimentally demonstrate this countermeasure with a typical InGaAs avalanche photodetector, but the scheme can be easily implemented with any single photon detector. |
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| ISSN: | 2378-0967 |