https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-023-00180-3
Research
Security and application of semi-quantum key distribution protocol for users with different quantum capabilities
1
School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 100876, Beijing, China
2
Information Security Center, State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, 100876, Beijing, China
3
College of Information Science and Engineering, ZaoZhuang University, 277160, ZaoZhuang Shandong, China
Received:
21
April
2023
Accepted:
9
June
2023
Published online:
20
June
2023
Semi-quantum protocols serve as a bridge between quantum users and “classical” users with limited quantum capabilities, providing support for application scenarios that cannot afford the excessively high cost of quantum resources. In this paper, we present a semi-quantum key distribution (SQKD) protocol based on Bell states and single particles, which is designed for key distribution between different types of users. The protocol enables simultaneous key distribution between quantum and classical users, as well as key establishment between two classical users. The security analysis demonstrates that the protocol can reach the same level of security as the full quantum protocol. Furthermore, we extrapolate the proposed protocol to other semi-quantum protocols, such as semi-quantum key agreement and semi-quantum private comparison protocols. Compared with previous similar ones, our SQKD protocol and its extended versions can fulfill the requirements of their respective counterparts individually. Therefore, our SQKD protocol has the potential for broader applications in practical scenarios.
Key words: Quantum communication / Semi-quantum key distribution / Different users / Security / Key rate
© The Author(s) 2023
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