Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one of the major applications of quantum information technology. It can provide ultra‐secure key distribution with security guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. Quantum key distribution is necessary to protect data transmission from quantum computing...

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Main Authors: Neel Kanth Kundu, Matthew R. McKay, Ranjan K. Mallik
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2024-12-01
Series:IET Quantum Communication
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1049/qtc2.12085
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author Neel Kanth Kundu
Matthew R. McKay
Ranjan K. Mallik
author_facet Neel Kanth Kundu
Matthew R. McKay
Ranjan K. Mallik
author_sort Neel Kanth Kundu
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one of the major applications of quantum information technology. It can provide ultra‐secure key distribution with security guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. Quantum key distribution is necessary to protect data transmission from quantum computing attacks in future communication networks. The laws of quantum mechanics dictate that as opposed to microwave frequencies, quantum coherence is preserved at room temperatures for terahertz (THz) frequencies. This makes the THz band a promising solution for room‐temperature QKD implementation in future wireless communication networks. The authors present the principles of continuous variable QKD (CV‐QKD) systems and review the latest developments in the design and analysis of CV‐QKD systems operating at microwave and THz frequencies. The authors also discuss how multiple‐input multiple‐output transmission can be incorporated into the quantum communications framework to improve the secret key rates and increase the coverage distances of the THz CV‐QKD system. Furthermore, major hardware challenges that must be surmounted to practically realise THz CV‐QKD systems are highlighted.
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series IET Quantum Communication
spelling doaj-art-0dd07354a5aa4b30ba27f601f7e136ea2024-12-29T13:34:29ZengWileyIET Quantum Communication2632-89252024-12-015445046110.1049/qtc2.12085Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challengesNeel Kanth Kundu0Matthew R. McKay1Ranjan K. Mallik2Centre for Applied Research in Electronics (CARE) Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi IndiaDepartment of Electrical and Electronic Engineering University of Melbourne Melbourne Victoria AustraliaDepartment of Electrical Engineering Indian Institute of Technology Delhi New Delhi IndiaAbstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one of the major applications of quantum information technology. It can provide ultra‐secure key distribution with security guaranteed by the laws of quantum physics. Quantum key distribution is necessary to protect data transmission from quantum computing attacks in future communication networks. The laws of quantum mechanics dictate that as opposed to microwave frequencies, quantum coherence is preserved at room temperatures for terahertz (THz) frequencies. This makes the THz band a promising solution for room‐temperature QKD implementation in future wireless communication networks. The authors present the principles of continuous variable QKD (CV‐QKD) systems and review the latest developments in the design and analysis of CV‐QKD systems operating at microwave and THz frequencies. The authors also discuss how multiple‐input multiple‐output transmission can be incorporated into the quantum communications framework to improve the secret key rates and increase the coverage distances of the THz CV‐QKD system. Furthermore, major hardware challenges that must be surmounted to practically realise THz CV‐QKD systems are highlighted.https://doi.org/10.1049/qtc2.12085quantum communicationquantum cryptographyquantum informationtelecommunication channelstelecommunication security
spellingShingle Neel Kanth Kundu
Matthew R. McKay
Ranjan K. Mallik
Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
IET Quantum Communication
quantum communication
quantum cryptography
quantum information
telecommunication channels
telecommunication security
title Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
title_full Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
title_fullStr Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
title_full_unstemmed Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
title_short Wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies: Opportunities and challenges
title_sort wireless quantum key distribution at terahertz frequencies opportunities and challenges
topic quantum communication
quantum cryptography
quantum information
telecommunication channels
telecommunication security
url https://doi.org/10.1049/qtc2.12085
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