Novel method to design photonic DIQKD experiments

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a cryptography technique that leverages the principles of quantum mechanics to establish secure communication channels between to parties. Unlike classical encryption methods, which work using mathematical algorithms, QKD relies on the inherent randomness and indeterminacy of quantum particles to generate the cryptographic keys, securing the communication even against a quantum-capable attacker. However, standard QKD protocols are susceptible to side-channel attacks that exploit weaknesses in the device used to implement them. Enter DIQKD, a different approach that offers enhanced security by eliminating the reliance on assumptions about the physical model of the device. This enhanced security has however proven to be challenging to implement.

In their publication, the French researchers from Université Paris-Saclay/CEA/CNRS/Institut de Physique Théorique present an automated method for exploring photonic experiments. Using a machine learning algorithm and simulations of quantum optical circuits, they have created an intelligent agent that designs photonic experiments implementing DIQKD protocols.

First author, Xavier Valcarce emphasizes the significance of their development, stating, “Designing photonic experiments is not a trivial task. In our manuscript, we provide a method that can find circuits suited for any given task, in an automated manner.”

The study represents a significant contribution to the field, making a step forward in the implementation of photonic DIQKD experiments. They use a family of artificial intelligence algorithms, that learn by trial-and-errors, to autonomously build photonic circuits, from scratch. One of the challenges they had to face is the simulation of photonic circuits. The task can be computationally hard, specially in the presence of non-Gaussian processes, a recurring element for quantum communication. The team had to develop a numerical framework to simulate Gaussian and non-Gaussian processes (expressed as a linear combination of Gaussian processes) efficiently. Another challenge was finding a way to find photonic circuits that perform well. To solve that they used reinforcement learning. They ask the intelligent agent to build a quantum optical circuit for a specific task, that task can be to design an experiment that implements a DIQKD protocol with a defined characteristic, like tolerating a number of losses. For each experiment proposed by the agent, the circuit is simulated using the previously mentioned framework, and the parameters of the circuits are optimised. A feedback or reward is then given back to the agent.

Looking ahead, Valcarce emphasizes the importance of conducting detailed comparative studies between established designs and newly proposed ones, as well as further exploration of experimental designs before implementing them.

Bringing closer photonic DIQKD experiments holds promise for boosting the security of quantum communication protocols—a critical need in an era marked by escalating cybersecurity threats. As quantum technologies continue to mature, this breakthrough is not only relevant for cryptographic systems but also lays the groundwork for a safer digital future.

Source

“Automated design of quantum-optical experiments for device-independent quantum key distribution”

X. Valcarce, P. Sekatski, E. Gouzien, A. Melnikov, and N. Sangouard

Phys. Rev. A 107, 062607 – Published 7 June 2023