Theoretical Computer Science· 2014Q2
Quantum cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing
- 3,956citations
- Q2SCImago
- 2014year
Short summary
Quantum channels, leveraging the uncertainty principle, enable secure public key distribution by detecting eavesdropping attempts that disturb transmissions. This allows two users to share random key information without prior secrets, even over insecure classical channels.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Key points
- Quantum channels inherently detect eavesdropping due to the uncertainty principle.
- Secure public key distribution is possible using quantum channels and classical insecure channels.
- Two users can establish shared secret keys without prior shared information.
- A quantum coin-tossing protocol is presented, secure against unlimited computing power but vulnerable to EPR paradox effects.
AI-generated from the title and abstract; the full text is not read.
Abstract
When elementary quantum systems, such as polarized photons, are used to transmit digital information, the uncertainty principle gives rise to novel cryptographic phenomena unachievable with traditional transmission media, e.g. a communications channel on which it is impossible in principle to eavesdrop without a high probability of disturbing the transmission in such a way as to be detected. Such a quantum channel can be used in conjunction with ordinary insecure classical channels to distribute random key information between two users with the assurance that it remains unknown to anyone else, even when the users share no secret information initially. We also present a protocol for coin-tossing by exchange of quantum messages, which is secure against traditional kinds of cheating, even by an opponent with unlimited computing power, but ironically can be subverted by use of a still subtler quantum phenomenon, the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen paradox.
The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Theoretical Computer Science, 2014 · DOI ↗
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Field: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
Atomic and Molecular Physics, and OpticsPhysics and Astronomy