Sekga Comfort, Mafu Mhlambululi
Department of Physics and Astronomy, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P/Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana.
Department of Physics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.
Sci Rep. 2023 Sep 11;13(1):14931. doi: 10.1038/s41598-023-40602-x.
Most quantum key distribution schemes exploiting orbital angular momentum-carrying optical beams are based on conventional set-ups, opening up the possibility of detector side-channel attacks. These optical beams also suffer from spatial aberrations due to atmospheric turbulence and unfavorable weather conditions. Consequently, we introduce a measurement device-independent quantum key distribution implemented with vector vortex modes. We study the transmission of vector vortex and scalar beams through a turbulent atmospheric link under diverse weather conditions such as rain or haze. We demonstrate that a maximum secure key transmission distance of 178 km can be achieved under clear conditions by utilizing the vector vortex beams, which have been mainly ignored in the literature. When raindrops have a diameter of 6 mm and fog particles have a radius of 0.5 [Formula: see text]m, the signals can reach 152 km and 160 km, respectively. Since these distances are comparable, this work sheds light into the feasibility of implementing measurement device-independent quantum key distribution using vector vortex modes under diverse weather conditions. Most significantly, this opens the door to practical secure quantum communications.
大多数利用携带轨道角动量的光束的量子密钥分发方案都基于传统设置，这为探测器侧信道攻击提供了可能性。由于大气湍流和不利的天气条件，这些光束还会受到空间像差的影响。因此，我们引入了一种基于矢量涡旋模式实现的测量设备无关量子密钥分发。我们研究了矢量涡旋光束和标量光束在不同天气条件（如下雨或雾霾）下通过湍流大气链路的传输情况。我们证明，在晴朗条件下，利用矢量涡旋光束可实现最大178公里的安全密钥传输距离，而这在文献中主要被忽视。当雨滴直径为6毫米且雾滴半径为0.5 [公式：见原文]米时，信号分别可到达152公里和160公里。由于这些距离相当，这项工作揭示了利用矢量涡旋模式在不同天气条件下实现测量设备无关量子密钥分发的可行性。最重要的是，这为实际的安全量子通信打开了大门。
