Pulsed laser attack at 1061 nm potentially compromises quantum key distribution

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2506.19091v1
• Date: Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:13:37 GMT
• Title: Pulsed laser attack at 1061 nm potentially compromises quantum key distribution
• Abstract summary: Quantum key distribution systems offer cryptographic security, provided that all their components are thoroughly characterised.<n>Certain components might be vulnerable to a laser-damage attack, particularly when attacked at previously untested laser parameters.<n>Here we show that exposing 1550-nm fiber-optic isolators to 17-mW average power, 1061-nm picosecond attacking pulses reduces their isolation below a safe threshold.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Quantum key distribution systems offer cryptographic security, provided that all their components are thoroughly characterised. However, certain components might be vulnerable to a laser-damage attack, particularly when attacked at previously untested laser parameters. Here we show that exposing 1550-nm fiber-optic isolators to 17-mW average power, 1061-nm picosecond attacking pulses reduces their isolation below a safe threshold. Furthermore, the exposure to 1160-mW sub-nanosecond pulsed illumination permanently degrades isolation at 1550 nm while the isolators maintain forward transparency. These threats are not addressed by the currently-practiced security analysis.

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