paper

Device calibration impacts security of quantum key distribution

arXiv:1103.2327 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.110501

Abstract

Characterizing the physical channel and calibrating the cryptosystem hardware are prerequisites for establishing a quantum channel for quantum key distribution (QKD). Moreover, an inappropriately implemented calibration routine can open a fatal security loophole. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a method to induce a large temporal detector efficiency mismatch in a commercial QKD system by deceiving a channel length calibration routine. We then devise an optimal and realistic strategy using faked states to break the security of the cryptosystem. A fix for this loophole is also suggested.

4 pages + 1 page of supplementary information. Considerable modification of Eve's attack strategy and QBER minimization technique. All figures have also been improved

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