ConceptioArchiveGoogle Patents
Google Patentsopen access

Apparatus and method for multi-user quantum key distribution — Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute (US10567169B2)

Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute · Google Patents
Google Patents · Patents · License: Open Access
Open Source ↗
patent, google patents, intellectual property, US10567169B2, Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute, Changho HONG, en, 2020

ABSTRACT

Abstract

An apparatus and method for multi-user quantum key distribution. The method for multi-user quantum key distribution is performed using a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and a quantum key client device, and includes generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device, measuring, by the quantum key client device, the transmission qubit pairs, received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based on a measurement basis, verifying security of the quantum channel using the transmission qubit pairs, and if the security has been verified, decoding qubit measurement values of the transmission qubit pairs into the shared key.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0114646, filed Sep. 6, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

This work was supported by the ICT R&D program of MSIP/IITP[1711028311, Reliable crypto-system standards and core technology development for secure quantum key distribution network] and the R&D Convergence program of NST (National Research Council of Science and Technology) of Republic of Korea (Grant No. CAP-18-08-KRISS).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to quantum communication technology and, more particularly, to quantum key distribution technology.

2. Description of the Related Art

Since conventional quantum key distribution techniques are designed to distribute a key only to a single user, they are not appropriate for achieving the object of distributing the same random key to a plurality of users.

However, in an actual key distribution environment, there are many cases where the same key is distributed to a plurality of users and is then used for the encryption systems of the users. A representative example of such encryption systems is an encryption system in which only users who are provided with the same key are capable of performing secure communication.

For example, conventional BB84-based quantum key distribution is a technique for guaranteeing secure key distribution between two users. For multi-user communication, when key distribution targets are extended to two or more users, the efficiency of distribution of the same random key is greatly deteriorated.

In order to solve this problem, conventional quantum key distribution techniques perform classical calculation and classical key distribution methods in a combined manner.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-0596404 entitled “Quantum Key Distribution Method between Multiusers or Various Groups” discloses a method for generating a group key by preparing a number of multi-qubit entanglement states identical to the number of users connected to a center.

However, technology in Korean Patent No. 10-0596404 is difficult to actually implement from the standpoint of the use of multi-qubit entanglement states.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to distribute the same key to multiple users using a quantum technique, the security of which is proven.

Another object of the present invention is to guarantee constant key distribution efficiency, regardless of the number of users to whom the same key is to be distributed.

A further object of the present invention is to distribute the same key to multiple users in an actual key distribution environment by facilitating implementation using stable efficiency and a single qubit.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a method for multi-user quantum key distribution, the method being performed using a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and a quantum key client device, the method including generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device; measuring, by the quantum key client device, two qubits of each of the transmission qubit pairs, received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based two different measurement bases; verifying security of the quantum channel using verification qubit pairs in the transmission qubit pairs; and if the security has been verified, decoding measurement values of one qubit, in which a generation basis and a measurement basis are identical, in each transmission qubit pair into the shared key.

The method using the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and the quantum key client device may include generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device; measuring, by the quantum key client device, two respective qubits of each transmission qubit pair received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel in two different measurement bases; verifying security of the quantum channel using verification qubit pairs in the transmission qubit pair, and if the security is verified, decoding measurement values of one qubit, in which a generation basis is identical to a measurement basis, in each transmission qubit pair, into the shared key.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to generate key qubit pairs, each including two identical key qubits for each key bit in the key bit string.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to determine the two identical key qubits included in each key qubit pair based on both key values of the key bits and a generation basis corresponding to any one of a rectilinear basis and a diagonal basis.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to determine an arrangement sequence of the generated key qubit pairs depending on an arrangement sequence of the key bits in the key bit string.

Generating the verification qubit pairs may be configured such that a number of transmission qubit pairs is greater than a number of key bits, and a number of verification qubit pairs to be generated is determined using a difference between the number of transmission qubit pairs and the number of key bits.

Generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs may be configured to generate the transmission qubit pairs by arranging the verification qubit pairs at any one of arrangement locations respectively adjacent to the key qubit pairs and arrangement locations respectively adjacent to previously arranged verification qubit pairs.

Generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs may be configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus stores arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs.

Measuring the two qubits of each of the transmission qubit pairs may include receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs through the quantum channel; measuring the received transmission qubit pair in different measurement bases; and storing qubit measurement values of the transmission qubit pair.

Receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs may be configured such that the quantum key client device may receive arrangement locations and sequences of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus.

Measuring the received transmission qubit pairs in different measurement bases may be configured such that the quantum key client device measures two qubits forming each transmission qubit pair by randomly selecting a sequence of the rectilinear measurement basis and the diagonal measurement basis.

Storing the qubit measurement values may be configured such that the quantum key client device stores the qubit measurement values that include both result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the rectilinear basis and result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the diagonal basis.

Verifying the security may be configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses states of verification qubits included in each transmission qubit pair, arrangement locations of the verification qubits, and a generation basis used to generate the verification qubits to the quantum key client device through a classical channel.

Verifying the security may be configured such that the quantum key client device determines, based on a comparison, whether measurement values in a measurement basis identical to the generation basis are identical to verification qubits, using the disclosed verification qubits, the arrangement locations of the disclosed verification qubits, and the generation basis of the disclosed verification qubits.

Verifying the security may be configured to, if it is determined that the qubit measurement results are identical to states of the verification qubits disclosed by the distribution apparatus, verify that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel.

Decoding the qubit measurement values may be configured such that, if it is verified that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel, the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses arrangement locations of key qubit pairs included in the transmission qubit pair and a generation basis used to generate the key qubit pairs to the quantum key client device through the classical channel.

Decoding the qubit measurement values may be configured such that, based on the disclosed arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the disclosed generation basis of the key qubit pairs, the quantum key client device decodes result values measured in a measurement basis identical to the generation basis into the key bit string of the shared key.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution, including a quantum random number generation unit for randomly generating a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to quantum key client devices, based on quantum states; a qubit generation unit for generating transmission qubit pairs based on the key bit string; a qubit transmission unit for transmitting the transmission qubit pairs to the quantum key client device through a quantum channel; and a classical signal transmission/reception unit for disclosing information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a quantum key client device, including a qubit measurement unit for measuring transmission qubit pairs, received from a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based on a measurement basis; a quantum random number generation unit for selecting a sequence of measurement bases based on quantum states; a classical signal transmission/reception unit for receiving pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel; and a measurement result processing unit for determining, based on a comparison, whether the pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs are identical to qubit measurement values obtained by measuring the transmission qubit pairs, for verifying security of the quantum channel, and for decoding the qubit measurement values into a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a table showing key qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables showing verification qubit pairs according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a table showing transmission qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of the same key by the apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a comparison in key distribution efficiency versus the number of users according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart illustrating a method for quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the transmission qubit pair generation step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the transmission qubit pair measurement step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the quantum channel security verification step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the shared key decoding step shown in FIG. 7 ; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Repeated descriptions and descriptions of known functions and configurations which have been deemed to make the gist of the present invention unnecessarily obscure will be omitted below. The embodiments of the present invention are intended to fully describe the present invention to a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the shapes, sizes, etc. of components in the drawings may be exaggerated to make the description clearer.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a table showing key qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables showing verification qubit pairs according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a table showing transmission qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram ill

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2016-0114646, filed Sep. 6, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application.

This work was supported by the ICT R&D program of MSIP/IITP[1711028311, Reliable crypto-system standards and core technology development for secure quantum key distribution network] and the R&D Convergence program of NST (National Research Council of Science and Technology) of Republic of Korea (Grant No. CAP-18-08-KRISS).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to quantum communication technology and, more particularly, to quantum key distribution technology.

2. Description of the Related Art

Since conventional quantum key distribution techniques are designed to distribute a key only to a single user, they are not appropriate for achieving the object of distributing the same random key to a plurality of users.

However, in an actual key distribution environment, there are many cases where the same key is distributed to a plurality of users and is then used for the encryption systems of the users. A representative example of such encryption systems is an encryption system in which only users who are provided with the same key are capable of performing secure communication.

For example, conventional BB84-based quantum key distribution is a technique for guaranteeing secure key distribution between two users. For multi-user communication, when key distribution targets are extended to two or more users, the efficiency of distribution of the same random key is greatly deteriorated.

In order to solve this problem, conventional quantum key distribution techniques perform classical calculation and classical key distribution methods in a combined manner.

Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-0596404 entitled “Quantum Key Distribution Method between Multiusers or Various Groups” discloses a method for generating a group key by preparing a number of multi-qubit entanglement states identical to the number of users connected to a center.

However, technology in Korean Patent No. 10-0596404 is difficult to actually implement from the standpoint of the use of multi-qubit entanglement states.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to distribute the same key to multiple users using a quantum technique, the security of which is proven.

Another object of the present invention is to guarantee constant key distribution efficiency, regardless of the number of users to whom the same key is to be distributed.

A further object of the present invention is to distribute the same key to multiple users in an actual key distribution environment by facilitating implementation using stable efficiency and a single qubit.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a method for multi-user quantum key distribution, the method being performed using a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and a quantum key client device, the method including generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device; measuring, by the quantum key client device, two qubits of each of the transmission qubit pairs, received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based two different measurement bases; verifying security of the quantum channel using verification qubit pairs in the transmission qubit pairs; and if the security has been verified, decoding measurement values of one qubit, in which a generation basis and a measurement basis are identical, in each transmission qubit pair into the shared key.

The method using the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and the quantum key client device may include generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device; measuring, by the quantum key client device, two respective qubits of each transmission qubit pair received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel in two different measurement bases; verifying security of the quantum channel using verification qubit pairs in the transmission qubit pair, and if the security is verified, decoding measurement values of one qubit, in which a generation basis is identical to a measurement basis, in each transmission qubit pair, into the shared key.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to generate key qubit pairs, each including two identical key qubits for each key bit in the key bit string.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to determine the two identical key qubits included in each key qubit pair based on both key values of the key bits and a generation basis corresponding to any one of a rectilinear basis and a diagonal basis.

Generating the key qubit pairs may be configured to determine an arrangement sequence of the generated key qubit pairs depending on an arrangement sequence of the key bits in the key bit string.

Generating the verification qubit pairs may be configured such that a number of transmission qubit pairs is greater than a number of key bits, and a number of verification qubit pairs to be generated is determined using a difference between the number of transmission qubit pairs and the number of key bits.

Generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs may be configured to generate the transmission qubit pairs by arranging the verification qubit pairs at any one of arrangement locations respectively adjacent to the key qubit pairs and arrangement locations respectively adjacent to previously arranged verification qubit pairs.

Generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs may be configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus stores arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs.

Measuring the two qubits of each of the transmission qubit pairs may include receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs through the quantum channel; measuring the received transmission qubit pair in different measurement bases; and storing qubit measurement values of the transmission qubit pair.

Receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs may be configured such that the quantum key client device may receive arrangement locations and sequences of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus.

Measuring the received transmission qubit pairs in different measurement bases may be configured such that the quantum key client device measures two qubits forming each transmission qubit pair by randomly selecting a sequence of the rectilinear measurement basis and the diagonal measurement basis.

Storing the qubit measurement values may be configured such that the quantum key client device stores the qubit measurement values that include both result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the rectilinear basis and result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the diagonal basis.

Verifying the security may be configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses states of verification qubits included in each transmission qubit pair, arrangement locations of the verification qubits, and a generation basis used to generate the verification qubits to the quantum key client device through a classical channel.

Verifying the security may be configured such that the quantum key client device determines, based on a comparison, whether measurement values in a measurement basis identical to the generation basis are identical to verification qubits, using the disclosed verification qubits, the arrangement locations of the disclosed verification qubits, and the generation basis of the disclosed verification qubits.

Verifying the security may be configured to, if it is determined that the qubit measurement results are identical to states of the verification qubits disclosed by the distribution apparatus, verify that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel.

Decoding the qubit measurement values may be configured such that, if it is verified that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel, the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses arrangement locations of key qubit pairs included in the transmission qubit pair and a generation basis used to generate the key qubit pairs to the quantum key client device through the classical channel.

Decoding the qubit measurement values may be configured such that, based on the disclosed arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the disclosed generation basis of the key qubit pairs, the quantum key client device decodes result values measured in a measurement basis identical to the generation basis into the key bit string of the shared key.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution, including a quantum random number generation unit for randomly generating a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to quantum key client devices, based on quantum states; a qubit generation unit for generating transmission qubit pairs based on the key bit string; a qubit transmission unit for transmitting the transmission qubit pairs to the quantum key client device through a quantum channel; and a classical signal transmission/reception unit for disclosing information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention to accomplish the above objects, there is provided a quantum key client device, including a qubit measurement unit for measuring transmission qubit pairs, received from a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based on a measurement basis; a quantum random number generation unit for selecting a sequence of measurement bases based on quantum states; a classical signal transmission/reception unit for receiving pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel; and a measurement result processing unit for determining, based on a comparison, whether the pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs are identical to qubit measurement values obtained by measuring the transmission qubit pairs, for verifying security of the quantum channel, and for decoding the qubit measurement values into a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a table showing key qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables showing verification qubit pairs according to embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a table showing transmission qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of the same key by the apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a graph showing a comparison in key distribution efficiency versus the number of users according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart illustrating a method for quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the transmission qubit pair generation step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 9 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the transmission qubit pair measurement step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the quantum channel security verification step shown in FIG. 7 ;

FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart illustrating in detail an example of the shared key decoding step shown in FIG. 7 ; and

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a computer system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Repeated descriptions and descriptions of known functions and configurations which have been deemed to make the gist of the present invention unnecessarily obscure will be omitted below. The embodiments of the present invention are intended to fully describe the present invention to a person having ordinary knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. Accordingly, the shapes, sizes, etc. of components in the drawings may be exaggerated to make the description clearer.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a table showing key qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 3A and 3B are tables showing verification qubit pairs according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a table showing transmission qubit pairs according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the distribution of the same key by the apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an apparatus 100 for multi-user quantum key distribution (hereinafter referred to as a “multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus 100 ”) and a quantum key client device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention are illustrated.

The multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus 100 includes a quantum random number generation unit 104 , a qubit generation unit 106 , a qubit transmission unit 108 , a classical signal transmission/ reception unit 110 , and memory 120 .

The quantum random number generation unit 104 may generate a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to the quantum key client device 200 based on quantum states.

Here, the quantum random number generation unit 104 may randomly generate a key bit string based on quantum properties.

The qubit generation unit 106 may generate transmission qubit pairs based on both the key bit string and the quantum random number generation unit 104 .

Here, the qubit generation unit 106 may generate key qubit pairs based on the key bit string of the shared key.

The qubit generation unit 106 may generate a pair of two identical key qubits (|ψ

k

1 , |ψ

k

1 ) for one bit. Here the subscript i is a sequence pair number. The generated key qubit pair may be separated into two types according to the generation basis. When the generation basis is a rectilinear basis, qubits capable of being generated may be |0

and |1

, and when the generation basis is a diagonal basis, qubits capable of being generated may be |+

and |−

.

That is, the qubit generation unit 106 may generate key qubit pairs, each including two identical key qubits for each key bit in the key bit string.

The qubit generation unit 106 may determine two identical key qubits included in each key qubit pair based on the key value of each key bit and the generation basis corresponding to any one of the rectilinear basis and the diagonal basis.

In order to share a key value of ‘0’ in a key bit, the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus 100 may prepare a key qubit pair of (|0

,|0

) or (|+

,|+

) and transmit the key qubit pair to the quantum key client device 200 . In order to share a key value of ‘1’ in a key bit, the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus 100 may prepare a key qubit pair of (| 1

,| 1

) or (|−

,|−

) and transmit the key qubit pair to the quantum key client device 200 .

Here, the qubit generation unit 106 may determine the sequence of arrangement of the generated key qubit pairs depending on the sequence of arrangement of key bits in the key bit string.

Further, the qubit generation unit 106 may generate verification qubit pairs.

In this case, the qubit generation unit 106 may be configured such that the number of transmission qubit pairs desired to be transmitted is greater than the number of key bits, and may determine the number of verification qubit pairs to be generated using the difference between the number of transmission qubit pairs and the number of key qubit pairs.

In this case, when the number of key qubit pairs that is desired to be shared is n and the number of transmission qubit pairs to be transmitted is N, as given in Equation (1), the relationship N>n may be satisfied. Here, the difference c between N and n may be the number of verification qubit pairs. N−n=c may be the number of verification qubit pairs used to verify the security of channels.

|ψ

k

1 ={|0

,|1

,|+

,|−

}, i= 1,2, . . . , n   (1)

Here, the qubit generation unit 106 may generate c verification qubit pairs.

(|ψ

d

2j-1 ,|ψ

d

2j )  (2)

In this case, as shown in Equation (2), |ψ

d

2j-1 or |ψ

d

2j ∈{|0

,|1

,|+

,|−

} satisfied.

That is, unlike the key qubit pair (|ψ

k

i ,|ψ

k

i ) in Equation (1), for two verification qubits forming each of c verification qubit pairs, each generated using 2c qubits, different states and different basis states may be possible. These may be given in the following Equation (3) and the following Table 1.

(|ψ

d

2j-1 ,|ψ

d

2j )∈{(|0

,|1

),(|1

,|0

),(|+

,|−

),(|−

,|+

),(|0

,|+

),(|0

,|−

),(|1

,|+

),(|1

,|−

),(|+

,|0

),(|−

,|1

),(|−

,|0

),(|−

,|1

<img id="CUSTOM-CHARACTER-00055" he="3.56mm" wi="0.68mm" file="US10567169-20200218-P00001.TIF" alt="Figure US1056

CLAIMS

Claims ( 19 )

What is claimed is:

1. A method for multi-user quantum key distribution, the method being performed using a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus and a plurality of quantum key client devices, the method comprising:

generating, by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus, transmission qubit pairs based on a key bit string of a shared key which is to be distributed to each of the quantum key client devices;

measuring, by each of the quantum key client devices, the transmission qubit pairs, received from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based on a measurement basis;

verifying security of the quantum channel using verification qubit pairs of the transmission qubit pairs; and

if the security has been verified, decoding qubit measurement values of the transmission qubit pairs into the shared key,

wherein generating the transmission qubit pairs comprises:

generating key qubit pairs based on the key bit string of the shared key;

generating verification qubit pairs by selecting one or more of quantum states having non-orthogonality therebetween; and

generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating the key qubit pairs is configured to generate key qubit pairs, each including two identical key qubits for each key bit in the key bit string.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein generating the key qubit pairs is configured to determine the two identical key qubits included in each key qubit pair based on both key values of the key bits and a generation basis corresponding to any one of a rectilinear basis and a diagonal basis.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein generating the key qubit pairs is configured to determine an arrangement sequence of the generated key qubit pairs depending on an arrangement sequence of the key bits in the key bit string.

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein generating the verification qubit pairs is configured such that:

a number of transmission qubit pairs is greater than a number of key bits, and

a number of verification qubit pairs to be generated is determined using a difference between the number of transmission qubit pairs and the length of a shared key.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs is configured to generate the transmission qubit pairs by arranging the verification qubit pairs at any one of arrangement locations respectively adjacent to the key qubit pairs and arrangement locations respectively adjacent to previously arranged verification qubit pairs.

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein generating the transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs is configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus stores arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein measuring the transmission qubit pairs comprises:

receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs through the quantum channel;

measuring two qubits forming each of the received transmission qubit pairs in different measurement bases; and

storing qubit measurement values of each of the transmission qubit pairs.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein receiving the generated transmission qubit pairs is configured such that the quantum key client device receives key qubit pairs and verification qubit pairs arranged in each of the transmission qubit pairs from the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus in a sequence of arrangement of the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs.

10. The method of claim 9 , wherein measuring the two qubits forming each of the received transmission qubit pairs in different measurement bases is configured such that the quantum key client device measures each of the qubits of the received transmission qubit pair by using the rectilinear basis and the diagonal basis for each of the qubits of the transmission qubit pair.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein measuring the two qubits forming each of the received transmission qubit pairs in different measurement bases is configured to respectively measure the qubits of the received transmission qubit pair in any one of a sequence of the rectilinear basis-diagonal basis and a sequence of the diagonal basis-rectilinear basis by using the rectilinear basis and the diagonal basis.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein storing the qubit measurement values is configured such that the quantum key client device stores the qubit measurement values that include both result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the rectilinear basis and result values obtained by measuring each transmission qubit pair in the diagonal basis.

13. The method of claim 12 , wherein verifying the security is configured such that the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses at least one of arrangement locations of the verification qubits and a generation basis used to generate the verification qubits to the quantum key client device through a classical channel.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein verifying the security is configured such that the quantum key client device determines, based on a comparison, whether the measurement results, which are measured based on at least one of the disclosed the states of verification qubits, the arrangement locations of the disclosed verification qubits, and the generation basis of the disclosed verification qubits, are identical to values measured in a basis identical to a generation basis of the verification qubits, among qubit measurement values stored in the quantum key client device.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein verifying the security is configured to, if it is determined that the measurement results are identical to the measurement values, verify that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel.

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein decoding the qubit measurement values is configured such that, if it is verified that the quantum channel is secure as a result of verification of security of the quantum channel, the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus discloses at least one of arrangement locations of key qubit pairs included in the transmission qubit pair and a generation basis used to generate the key qubit pairs to the quantum key client device through the classical channel.

17. The method of claim 16 , wherein decoding the qubit measurement values is configured such that, based on the disclosed arrangement locations of the key qubit pairs and the disclosed generation basis of the key qubit pairs, the quantum key client device decodes measurement result values in a measurement basis identical to the generation basis into the key bit string of the shared key.

18. An apparatus for multi-user quantum key distribution, comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least on processor to function as:

a quantum random number generation unit configured to generate a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed to each of a plurality of quantum key client devices, based on quantum states;

a qubit generation unit configured to generate key qubit pairs based on the key bit string of the shared key, to generate verification qubit pairs by selecting one or more of quantum states having non-orthogonality therebetween, and to generate transmission qubit pairs based on the key qubit pairs and the verification qubit pairs;

a qubit transmission unit configured to transmit the transmission qubit pairs to each of the quantum key client devices through a quantum channel; and

a classical signal transmission/reception unit configured to disclose information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel.

19. A quantum key client device comprising:

at least one processor;

a memory having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least on processor to function as:

a qubit measurement unit configured to measure transmission qubit pairs, received from a multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus through a quantum channel, based on a measurement basis;

a quantum random number generation unit configured to select a sequence of the measurement bases based on quantum states;

a classical signal transmission/reception unit configured to receive pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs through a classical channel; and

a measurement result processing unit configured to determine, based on a comparison, whether the pieces of information related to the transmission qubit pairs are identical to qubit measurement values obtained by measuring the transmission qubit pairs, to verify security of the quantum channel, and to decode the qubit measurement values into a key bit string of a shared key to be distributed by the multi-user quantum key distribution apparatus.

US15/434,188

2016-09-06

2017-02-16

Apparatus and method for multi-user quantum key distribution

Active

2038-03-20

US10567169B2

( en )

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number

Priority Date

Filing Date

Title

KR10-2016-0114646

2016-09-06

KR1020160114646A

KR101960426B1

( en )

2016-09-06

2016-09-06

Apparatus for quantum key distribution for multi-users and method for using the same

Publications (2)

Publication Number

Publication Date

US20180069698A1

US20180069698A1 ( en )

2018-03-08

US10567169B2

true

US10567169B2 ( en )

2020-02-18

Family

ID=61281029

Family Applications (1)

Application Number

Title

Priority Date

Filing Date

US15/434,188

Active

2038-03-20

US10567169B2

( en )

2016-09-06

2017-02-16

Apparatus and method for multi-user quantum key distribution

Country Status (2)

Country

Link

US

( 1 )

US10567169B2

( en )

KR

( 1 )

KR101960426B1

( en )

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

US11245584B2

( en )

*

2018-10-15

2022-02-08

Red Hat, Inc.

Software defined network optimization using quantum computing

US11770245B2

( en )

2020-11-04

2023-09-26

Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute

Quantum key distribution system and operation method thereof

US12450509B2

( en )

2021-02-24

2025-10-21

Red Hat, Inc.

Access protection for shared qubits

US12519624B2

( en )

2023-01-25

2026-01-06

Nokia Technologies Oy

Identity authentication for QKD protocols

Families Citing this family (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

SG11201803545QA

( en )

*

2015-10-29

2018-05-30

Google Llc

Removing leakage in a quantum bit

US11343087B1

( en )

2018-03-09

2022-05-24

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for server-side quantum session authentication

US10855454B1

( en )

2018-03-09

2020-12-01

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for quantum session authentication

US11025416B1

( en )

*

2018-03-09

2021-06-01

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for quantum session authentication

US10812258B1

( en )

*

2018-03-09

2020-10-20

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for quantum session authentication

US10728029B1

( en )

*

2018-03-09

2020-07-28

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for multi-server quantum session authentication

CN108964890B

( en )

*

2018-06-15

2021-06-04

南京南瑞国盾量子技术有限公司

Authenticable multi-party quantum key distribution method based on tree type hierarchical structure

US10855453B1

( en )

2018-08-20

2020-12-01

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for time-bin quantum session authentication

US10855457B1

( en )

*

2018-08-20

2020-12-01

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for single chip quantum random number generation

US10540146B1

( en )

2018-08-20

2020-01-21

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for single chip quantum random number generation

US11240013B1

( en )

*

2018-08-20

2022-02-01

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for passive quantum session authentication

US11095439B1

( en )

2018-08-20

2021-08-17

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for centralized quantum session authentication

US11190349B1

( en )

*

2018-08-20

2021-11-30

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for providing randomness-as-a-service

US10552120B1

( en )

2018-08-20

2020-02-04

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for single chip quantum random number generation

CN108988956B

( en )

*

2018-09-19

2021-06-18

苏州大学

A three-party communication method based on seven-bit quantum channel

KR102148861B1

( en )

*

2018-11-05

2020-10-14

한국과학기술연구원

Method for authenticating using authentication qubit and quantum communication system thereof

CN109660340B

( en )

*

2018-12-11

2021-11-26

北京安御道合科技有限公司

Application system based on quantum key and use method thereof

KR102063031B1

( en )

2019-03-27

2020-01-07

한국전자통신연구원

Apparatus and method for quantum direct communication using single qubits

CN110138550B

( en )

*

2019-05-06

2022-09-30

国网甘肃省电力公司信息通信公司

QKD network system model construction method

US11245519B1

( en )

2019-10-04

2022-02-08

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Systems and methods for quantum entanglement random number generation

JP7282713B2

( en )

*

2020-04-16

2023-05-29

株式会社東芝

Quantum Cryptography Device, Quantum Cryptography Communication Charge Calculation System, and Quantum Cryptography Communication Charge Calculation Method

US20230353350A1

( en )

*

2020-05-12

2023-11-02

Eth Zurich

Device-independent quantum key distribution

KR20240021193A

( en )

*

2021-05-31

2024-02-16

후아웨이 테크놀로지스 캐나다 컴퍼니, 리미티드

Method and system for two-qubit multi-user quantum key distribution protocol

CN114338013B

( en )

*

2021-12-31

2023-12-22

国家电网有限公司信息通信分公司

A dynamic power control method and device for co-fiber transmission of quantum signals and classical signals

WO2024015105A1

( en )

*

2022-07-15

2024-01-18

Matrics2, Inc.

Delivering random number keys securely for one-time pad symmetric key encryption

US12476984B2

( en )

*

2023-08-15

2025-11-18

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

Quantum-based information protection

US20250317281A1

( en )

*

2024-04-09

2025-10-09

Mellanox Technologies, Ltd.

System for implementing quantum key distribution (qkd) in a data center environment

US20260106738A1

( en )

*

2024-10-15

2026-04-16

Bank Of America Corporation

System and method for establishing a secure quantum key distribution communications protocol based on quantum entanglement

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

KR20040058326A

( en )

2002-09-26

2004-07-03

미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤

Cryptographic communication apparatus

KR100596404B1

( en )

2004-04-13

2006-07-03

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum key distribution method between multiparty or multigroup

KR20120071883A

( en )

2010-12-23

2012-07-03

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum authentication method and apparatus for quantum secret sharing protocol

KR101351012B1

( en )

2009-12-18

2014-01-10

한국전자통신연구원

Method and apparatus for authentication user in multiparty quantum communications

KR20140054647A

( en )

2012-10-29

2014-05-09

에스케이텔레콤 주식회사

Method for enhancing security of secret key generated in quantum key distribution system

KR20140060022A

( en )

2012-11-09

2014-05-19

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum signature method using arbitrator and system using it

US8885828B2

( en )

2008-01-25

2014-11-11

Qinetiq Limited

Multi-community network with quantum key distribution

2016

2016-09-06

KR

KR1020160114646A

patent/KR101960426B1/en

active

Active

2017

2017-02-16

US

US15/434,188

patent/US10567169B2/en

active

Active

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

KR20040058326A

( en )

2002-09-26

2004-07-03

미쓰비시덴키 가부시키가이샤

Cryptographic communication apparatus

US20050157875A1

( en )

*

2002-09-26

2005-07-21

Tsuyoshi Nishioka

Crytographic communication apparatus

US7649996B2

( en )

2002-09-26

2010-01-19

Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha

Cryptographic communication apparatus

KR100596404B1

( en )

2004-04-13

2006-07-03

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum key distribution method between multiparty or multigroup

US7496203B2

( en )

2004-04-13

2009-02-24

Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute

Quantum-key distribution method between a plurality of users or groups

US8885828B2

( en )

2008-01-25

2014-11-11

Qinetiq Limited

Multi-community network with quantum key distribution

KR101351012B1

( en )

2009-12-18

2014-01-10

한국전자통신연구원

Method and apparatus for authentication user in multiparty quantum communications

US20140068765A1

( en )

2009-12-18

2014-03-06

Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute

Method and apparatus for authenticating user in multiparty quantum communications

KR20120071883A

( en )

2010-12-23

2012-07-03

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum authentication method and apparatus for quantum secret sharing protocol

KR20140054647A

( en )

2012-10-29

2014-05-09

에스케이텔레콤 주식회사

Method for enhancing security of secret key generated in quantum key distribution system

KR20140060022A

( en )

2012-11-09

2014-05-19

한국전자통신연구원

Quantum signature method using arbitrator and system using it

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party

Publication number

Priority date

Publication date

Assignee

Title

US11245584B2

( en )

*

2018-10-15

2022-02-08

Red Hat, Inc.

Software defined network optimization using quantum computing

US11770245B2

( en )

2020-11-04

2023-09-26

Electronics And Telecommunications Research Institute

Quantum key distribution system and operation method thereof

US12450509B2

( en )

2021-02-24

2025-10-21

Red Hat, Inc.

Access protection for shared qubits

US12519624B2

( en )

2023-01-25

2026-01-06

Nokia Technologies Oy

Identity authentication for QKD protocols

Also Published As

Publication number

Publication date

KR20180027275A

( en )

2018-03-14

KR101960426B1

( en )

2019-03-20

US20180069698A1

( en )

2018-03-08

Similar Documents

Publication

Publication Date

Title

US20180069698A1

( en )

2018-03-08

Apparatus and method for multi-user quantum key distribution

US11533171B2

( en )

2022-12-20

Apparatus and method for quantum direct communication using single qubits

US10958428B2

( en )

2021-03-23

Apparatus for quantum key distribution on a quantum network and method using the same

US10958439B2

( en )

2021-03-23

Apparatus and method for reliable quantum signature

US10778420B2

( en )

2020-09-15

Quantum direct communication method with user authentication and apparatus using the same

US10887094B2

( en )

2021-01-05

Authentication apparatus and method for quantum cryptography communication

US20200328886A1

( en )

2020-10-15

A system and method for quantum-safe authentication, encryption, and decryption of information

Inamori

2002

Security of practical time-reversed EPR quantum key distribution

US11882212B2

( en )

2024-01-23

Method and system for quantum key distribution

US20050249352A1

( en )

2005-11-10

Quantum-key distribution method between a plurality of users or groups

US20100150349A1

( en )

2010-06-17

Method and system for performing quantum bit commitment protocol

US20210351936A1

( en )

2021-11-11

Qds-based mail system and transceiving method

US10966084B2

( en )

2021-03-30

Fine timing measurement security with distance bounding protocol

US20240396740A1

( en )

2024-11-28

Lattice-based cryptographic digital signature scheme utilising masking

US20210266157A1

( en )

2021-08-26

Quantum entity authentication apparatus and method

Mohan et al.

2015

Security analysis and modification of classical encryption scheme

CN116208328A

( en )

2023-06-02

A Quantum Secret Sharing Method Based on the Sum of Squares Theorem

CN109039603B

( en )

2020-09-04

A fault-tolerant semi-quantum key distribution method based on decoherence-free subspaces

Kim et al.

2025

Cryptanalysis via machine learning based information theoretic metrics

CN108923914A

( en )

2018-11-30

A kind of quantum key delivering method based on 4 Particle Cluster states

Subramaniam et al.

2014

Limits on detecting eavesdropper in QKD protocols

US9992016B2

( en )

2018-06-05

Message generation for a cryptographic key generation test

CN105281914B

( en )

2018-11-02

A kind of secret handshake method based on lattice password

Oravec et al.

2018

Image encryption technique with key diffused by coupled map lattice

RU2656578C1

( en )

2018-06-05

Method for generating encryption keys

Legal Events

Date

Code

Title

Description

2017-02-16

AS

Assignment

Owner name : ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTE, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text : ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HONG, CHANGHO;KIM, NAYOUNG;KWON, OSUNG;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:041272/0895

Effective date : 20170113

Owner name : ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTIT

Free format text : ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:HONG, CHANGHO;KIM, NAYOUNG;KWON, OSUNG;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:041272/0895

Effective date : 20170113

2017-03-17

STPP

Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text : DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

2019-05-14

STPP

Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text : NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

2019-08-16

STPP

Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text : RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

2019-11-12

STPP

Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text : NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS

2019-12-31

STPP

Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text : PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT RECEIVED

2020-01-29

STCF

Information on status: patent grant

Free format text : PATENTED CASE

2023-06-26

MAFP

Maintenance fee payment

Free format text : PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 4TH YR, SMALL ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M2551); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

Year of fee payment : 4

Related documents

Record · ID 607395
Conceptio Open Knowledge Archive — every document is proof-bundled with source, license, and retrieval metadata.