Imperfect detectors for adversarial tasks with applications to quantum key distribution

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2503.06328v1
• Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2025 19:53:18 GMT
• Title: Imperfect detectors for adversarial tasks with applications to quantum key distribution
• Authors: Shlok Nahar, Norbert Lütkenhaus,
• Abstract summary: We develop a general framework for analysing imperfect threshold detectors.<n>We treat uncharacterised device parameters such as dark counts and detection efficiencies as adversarially controlled within some ranges.<n>Our results strengthen the connection between theoretical security and practical implementations.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/
• Abstract: Security analyses in quantum key distribution (QKD) and other adversarial quantum tasks often assume perfect device models. However, real-world implementations often deviate from these models. Thus, it is important to develop security proofs that account for such deviations from ideality. In this work, we develop a general framework for analysing imperfect threshold detectors, treating uncharacterised device parameters such as dark counts and detection efficiencies as adversarially controlled within some ranges. This approach enables a rigorous worst-case analysis, ensuring security proofs remain valid under realistic conditions. Our results strengthen the connection between theoretical security and practical implementations by introducing a flexible framework for integrating detector imperfections into adversarial quantum protocols.

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