Unconditional Authentication in Quantum Key Distribution via Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Functions

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2605.04650v1
• Date: Wed, 06 May 2026 08:57:14 GMT
• Title: Unconditional Authentication in Quantum Key Distribution via Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Functions
• Abstract summary: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables Information-Theoretically Secure (ITS) key exchange, robust even against future quantum computing threats.<n>In this work, we address the challenge by adopting a Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) protocol for authentication.<n>We demonstrate that this PUF-based method generates an ITS initial key under minimal explicit hardware assumptions.<n>This approach allows us to experimentally perform a fully ITS-authenticated entanglement-based QKD protocol that relies solely on such assumptions, effectively eliminating the need for pre-shared secrets.
• Score: 0.13999481573773073
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) enables Information-Theoretically Secure (ITS) key exchange, robust even against future quantum computing threats. However, a fundamental limitation of QKD is the requirement for an authenticated classical channel, which necessitates a pre-shared secret key. In this work, we address this challenge by adopting a Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Function (PUF) protocol for authentication. We demonstrate that this PUF-based method generates an ITS initial key under minimal explicit hardware assumptions. This approach allows us to experimentally perform a fully ITS-authenticated entanglement-based QKD protocol that relies solely on such assumptions, effectively eliminating the need for pre-shared secrets. This represents a significant step towards the practical realization of quantum network protocols using lightweight, readily available hardware assumptions, without weakening security guarantees.

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