Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is poised to be the first widespread implementation of quantum communication. In principle, it offers unconditional security: an eavesdropper introduces errors and thus cannot remain concealed from the legitimate parties. However, in practical implementations the actual security depends on a host of technological and protocol-operational components. Eve could exploit imperfections in Alice’s or Bob’s equipment (such as source or detectors) remotely, or vulnerabilities in the actual implementation of the abstract QKD protocol. Several such attacks have been proposed [1,2], and various proof-of-principle demonstrations on commercial QKD devices have been performed in recent years [3–5].

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