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Free keywords:
ENTANGLEMENT BREAKING CHANNELS; STANDARD TELECOM FIBER; UNCONDITIONAL
SECURITY; NONORTHOGONAL STATES; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISCRIMINATION; DISTANCES;
SYSTEM; LONGComputer Science; Physics; quantum cryptography; quantum key distribution; differential-phase-shift
quantum key distribution; sequential attack; intercept-resend attack;
security;
Abstract:
We investigate limitations imposed by sequential attacks on the performance of differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution protocols that use pulsed coherent light. In particular, we analyze two sequential attacks based on unambiguous state discrimination and minimum error discrimination, respectively, of the signal states emitted by the source. Sequential attacks represent;I special type of intercept-resend attacks and, therefore, they provide ultimate upper bounds on the maximal distance achievable by quantum key distribution schemes.
