Unconditional Authentication in Quantum Key Distribution via Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Functions
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.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2605.04650,
title = {Unconditional Authentication in Quantum Key Distribution via Hybrid Entangled Physical Unclonable Functions},
author = {Nicolas Laurent-Puig and Mina Doosti and Adriano Innocenzi and Eleni Diamanti},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2605.04650},
year = {2026}
}