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Quantum Cryptography Security

Security of Binary-Modulated Optical Key Distribution Against Quantum-Enhanced Coherent Eavesdropping

arXiv
Authors: Karol Łukanowski, Michał Wójcik, Stefano Olivares, Konrad Banaszek, Marcin Jarzyna

Year

2026

Paper ID

35935

Status

Preprint

Abstract Read

~2 min

Abstract Words

99

Citations

N/A

Abstract

Optical key distribution (OKD) protects the physical layer of communication links by taking advantage of the inherent noise present in the photodetection process. It allows for efficient generation of a shared random key between two distant users which can subsequently be used for cryptographic purposes secure against passive eavesdropping. Moreover, it can be straightforwardly implemented over standard intensity modulation and direct detection links, making it an attractive alternative to quantum key distribution. Here we present a comprehensive security analysis against more powerful eavesdroppers possessing either the ability to perform coherent detection, or even quantum-optimal measurements on the intercepted transmission.

Why This Paper Matters

  • This paper contributes to the Quantum Cryptography & Security research area in the Quantum Articles archive.
  • It adds a 2026 reference point for readers tracking recent quantum research.
  • Optical key distribution (OKD) protects the physical layer of communication links by taking advantage of the inherent noise present in the photodetection process.

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References & Citation Signals

[1] DOI https://doi.org/arXiv:2603.20395 [2] arXiv https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.20395 [3] Publisher https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.20395

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