Report on proof-of-principle implementations of novel QKD schemes performed at INRIM

Quantum Key Distribution together with its intrinsic security represent the more promising technology to meet the challenging requests of novel generation communication protocols. Beyond its relevant commercial interests, QKD is currently and deeply investigated in research fields as quantum information and quantum mechanics foundations, in order to push over the limits of the actual resources needed to ensure the security of quantum communication. Aim of the paper is to contribute to this open debate presenting our last experimental implementations concerning two novel quantum cryptographic schemes which do not require some of the most widely accepted conditions for realizing QKD. The first is Goldenberg-Vaidman1,2 protocol, in which even if only orthogonal states (that in principle can be cloned without altering the quantum state) are used, any eavesdropping attempt is detectable. The second is N093 protocol which, being based on the quantum counterfactual effect, does not even require any actual photon transmission in the quantum channel between the parties for the communication. The good agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results represent a proof of principle of the experimental feasibility of the novel protocols.

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