Entangled Quantum Walkers for Secure Quantum Key Distribution
Abstract
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an emerging cryptographic method designed for secure key sharing. Its security is theoretically guaranteed by fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, making it a leading candidate for future communication protocols. Quantum Random Walks (QRWs), on the other hand, are quantum processes that exhibit intriguing phenomena such as interference and superposition, enabling the generation of decentralized and asymmetric probability distributions. Inspired by both fields of study, we propose a novel QKD protocol based on two entangled quantum walkers. Our protocol exploits the unique correlations between the walkers at extremal positions of the walk to establish secret keys shared exclusively by the two parties. The security of the protocol is augmented by analyzing the joint probability distributions of the walkers' measured positions and their associated coin states.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2508.05593,
title = {Entangled Quantum Walkers for Secure Quantum Key Distribution},
author = {Chia-Tso Lai},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2508.05593},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
This is a replacement for the previously withdrawn paper. The prior versions were retracted at the request of a former employer due to an employment contractual restriction on independent publication. I have now received the necessary clearance to publish this original work independently