Micius, the world's first quantum communication satellite, was hackable

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2505.06532v1
• Date: Sat, 10 May 2025 06:30:38 GMT
• Title: Micius, the world's first quantum communication satellite, was hackable
• Authors: Alexander Miller,
• Abstract summary: The decoy-state BB84 protocol for quantum key distribution is used on Micius, the world's first satellite for quantum communications.<n>Relative time delays between all the eight laser diodes on board have been found.<n>A potential attacker using as perfect equipment as possible unless it violates the laws of physics was shown to be capable of distinguishing decoy states from signal ones in at least 98.7% of cases.
• Score: 55.86191108738564
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: The decoy-state BB84 protocol for quantum key distribution (QKD) is used on Micius, the world's first satellite for quantum communications. The method of decoy states can detect photon-number-splitting eavesdropping and thus enables, in theory, secure QKD using weak coherent pulses over long distances with high channel loss inherent in satellite communication systems. However, it is widely known that realistic QKD devices can be vulnerable to various types of side-channel attacks that rely on flaws in experimental implementation. In most free-space QKD systems, including that on board Micius, multiple semiconductor lasers with passive optics are utilized to randomly generate polarization states. Optical pulses from independent laser diodes can to some extent differ in their temporal, spectral, and/or spatial distribution, and the quantum states can thus be distinguishable. Such distinguishability of photons in additional non-operational degrees of freedom compromises unconditional security of QKD since an eavesdropper can exploit this loophole to improve their attack strategy. The author carried out a thorough analysis of the experimental data obtained during multiple communication sessions between Micius and one of the ground stations designed specifically for it. Relative time delays between all the eight laser diodes on board have been found. The typical desynchronization between the lasers exceeds 100 ps, which is comparable with their pulse duration of 200 ps. The largest time delay was observed between signal and decoy states for vertically polarized photons and is about 300 ps. With such mismatch in timing, a potential attacker using as perfect equipment as possible unless it violates the laws of physics was shown to be capable of distinguishing decoy states from signal ones in at least 98.7% of cases.

Related papers

• Time-bin encoded quantum key distribution over 120 km with a telecom quantum dot source [9.604654173535646]
  Quantum key distribution (QKD) with deterministic single photon sources has been demonstrated over intercity fiber and free-space channels.<n>Time-bin encoding offers inherent robustness and has been widely adopted in mature QKD systems.<n>This work provides the first experimental validation of integrating a quantum dot single-photon source with time-bin encoding in a telecom-band QKD system.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-06-18T14:55:01Z)
• Emulation of satellite up-link quantum communication with entangled photons [75.38606213726906]
  We demonstrate an ultra-bright source of far-non-degenerate entangled photons and perform quantum key distribution in emulated high-loss satellite scenarios.<n>With a loss profile corresponding to that of one of the pioneering Micius up-link experiments, and a terrestrial end user separated by 10km of telecom fibre we achieve secure key accumulation of 5.2kbit in a single overpass in the limit.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2025-02-05T19:14:55Z)
• A Quantum Key Distribution System for Mobile Platforms with Highly Indistinguishable States [0.0]
  Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows two users to exchange a provably secure key for cryptographic applications.<n>Here, we measure the indistinguishability of quantum states in a prepare-and-measure three-state BB84 polarization-based decoy state protocol.<n>We make the spatial, spectral, and temporal DOF of the generated quantum states nearly indistinguishable using a spatial filter single-mode fiber, a narrow-band spectral filter, and adjustable timing of the electrical pulses driving the RC-LEDs.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-11-29T17:45:41Z)
• Metropolitan quantum key distribution using a GaN-based room-temperature telecommunication single-photon source [54.32714639668751]
  Single-photon sources (SPS) hold the potential to enhance the performance of quantum key distribution (QKD) We have successfully demonstrated QKD using a room-temperature SPS at telecommunication wavelength.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2024-09-27T07:35:51Z)
• Experimental demonstration of scalable quantum key distribution over a thousand kilometers [0.0]
  Quantum key distribution offers protection against quantum computer attacks. Long-distance transmission is problematic since the essential signal decay in optical channels occurs at a distance of about a hundred kilometers. We present the experimental demonstration of the TQ-QKD protocol allowing quantum key distribution over 1079 kilometers.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-06-07T16:58:52Z)
• The ideal wavelength for daylight free-space quantum key distribution [35.310629519009204]
  We model a satellite-to-ground quantum channel for different quantum light sources to identify the optimal wavelength for free-space QKD in ambient conditions. Our results can be applied in roof-to-roof scenarios and are therefore relevant for near-future quantum networks.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-03-03T17:49:31Z)
• QUICK$^3$ -- Design of a satellite-based quantum light source for quantum communication and extended physical theory tests in space [73.86330563258117]
  Single photon source can enhance secure data rates in satellite-based quantum key distribution scenarios. payload is being integrated into a 3U CubeSat and scheduled for launch in 2024 into low Earth orbit.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2023-01-26T15:34:11Z)
• Memoryless quantum repeaters based on cavity-QED and coherent states [0.0]
  A quantum repeater scheme based on cavity-QED and quantum error correction of channel loss via rotation-symmetric bosonic codes is proposed. A numerical simulation shows that the total fidelity and the success probability for quantum communication over a long distance can almost approach unity. Based upon the cavity-QED setting, this scheme can be realized at room temperature and at optical frequencies.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-07-06T05:21:36Z)
• Continuous entanglement distribution over a transnational 248 km fibre link [58.720142291102135]
  Entanglement is the basis of many quantum applications. We present a continuously working international link between Austria and Slovakia. We measure stable pair rates of 9 s$-1$ over an exemplary operation time of 110 hours.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-03-23T13:55:27Z)
• Efficient room-temperature molecular single-photon sources for quantum key distribution [51.56795970800138]
  Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows the distribution of cryptographic keys between multiple users in an information-theoretic secure way. We introduce and demonstrate a proof-of-concept QKD system exploiting a molecule-based single-photon source operating at room temperature and emitting at 785nm.
  arXiv  Detail & Related papers  (2022-02-25T11:52:10Z)

This list is automatically generated from the titles and abstracts of the papers in this site.

This site does not guarantee the quality of this site (including all information) and is not responsible for any consequences.