After-gate attack on a quantum cryptosystem

Wiechers C, Lydersen L, Wittmann C, Elser DA, Skaar J, Marquardt C, Makarov V, Leuchs G (2011)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2011

Journal

New Journal of Physics Institute of Physics: Open Access Journals / Institute of Physics (IoP) and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft

Book Volume: 13

Article Number: 013043

DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/13/1/013043

Abstract

We present a method to control the detection events in quantum key distribution systems that use gated single-photon detectors. We employ bright pulses as faked states, timed to arrive at the avalanche photodiodes outside the activation time. The attack can remain unnoticed, since the faked states do not increase the error rate per se. This allows for an intercept-resend attack, where an eavesdropper transfers her detection events to the legitimate receiver without causing any errors. As a side effect, afterpulses, originating from accumulated charge carriers in the detectors, increase the error rate. We have experimentally tested detectors of the system id3110 (Clavis2) from ID Quantique. We identify the parameter regime in which the attack is feasible despite the side effect. Furthermore, we outline how simple modifications in the implementation can make the device immune to this attack. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft.

Authors with CRIS profile

Dominique Elser 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) Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts (MPL) / Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Wiechers, C., Lydersen, L., Wittmann, C., Elser, D.A., Skaar, J., Marquardt, C.,... Leuchs, G. (2011). After-gate attack on a quantum cryptosystem. New Journal of Physics, 13. https://doi.org/10.1088/1367-2630/13/1/013043

MLA:

Wiechers, C., et al. "After-gate attack on a quantum cryptosystem." New Journal of Physics 13 (2011).

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