Superlinear threshold detectors in quantum cryptography

Lydersen L, Jain N, Wittmann C, Maroy O, Skaar J, Marquardt C, Makarov V, Leuchs G (2011)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics American Physical Society

Book Volume: 84

Article Number: 032320

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.84.032320

Abstract

We introduce the concept of a superlinear threshold detector, a detector that has a higher probability to detect multiple photons if it receives them simultaneously rather than at separate times. Highly superlinear threshold detectors in quantum key distribution systems allow eavesdropping the full secret key without being revealed. Here, we generalize the detector control attack, and analyze how it performs against quantum key distribution systems with moderately superlinear detectors. We quantify the superlinearity in superconducting single-photon detectors based on earlier published data, and gated avalanche photodiode detectors based on our own measurements. The analysis shows that quantum key distribution systems using detector(s) of either type can be vulnerable to eavesdropping. The avalanche photodiode detector becomes superlinear toward the end of the gate. For systems expecting substantial loss, or for systems not monitoring loss, this would allow eavesdropping using trigger pulses containing less than 120 photons per pulse. Such an attack would be virtually impossible to catch with an optical power meter at the receiver entrance. © 2011 American Physical Society.

Authors with CRIS profile

Nitin Jain Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik) Christoffer Wittmann Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik) Christoph Marquardt Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik) Gerhard Leuchs Lehrstuhl für Experimentalphysik (Optik)

Involved external institutions

NTNU Trondheim - Norwegian University of Science and Technology NO Norway (NO)

How to cite

APA:

Lydersen, L., Jain, N., Wittmann, C., Maroy, O., Skaar, J., Marquardt, C.,... Leuchs, G. (2011). Superlinear threshold detectors in quantum cryptography. Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, 84(3). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.84.032320

MLA:

Lydersen, Lars, et al. "Superlinear threshold detectors in quantum cryptography." Physical Review A - Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics 84.3 (2011).

BibTeX: Download