A Primer to Underwater Quantum Key Distribution

• DOI: 10.36227/techrxiv.22299160.v2
• Publication Date: 2023-06-23T16:35:27Z
• Authors: Pietro Paglierani; Amir Hossein Fahi...; Konstantinos Pele...; Roberto Petroccia; João Alves; Murat Uysal
• Keywords: Quantum key distribution; Key space

<p>The growing importance of Underwater Networks (UNs) in mission-critical activities at sea enforces the need for secure Communications (UCs). Classical encryption techniques can be used to achieve data exchange UNs. However, advent Quantum Computing will pose threats classical cryptography, thus challenging also UCs. Currently, underwater crypto-systems mostly adopt symmetric ciphers, which are considered computationally quantum-robust, but challenge distributing secret key upfront. Post-Quantum Public-Key (PQPK) protocols promise overcome distribution problem. The security PQPK protocols, however, only relies on assumed computational complexity some underlying mathematical problems. Moreover, use resource hungry algorithms resource-constrained environments such as UNs require non-trivial hardware/software optimization efforts. An alternative approach is Key Distribution (QKD), promises unconditional built upon physical principles Mechanics. This tutorial provides a basic introduction free-space QKD (UQKD). At first, concepts presented, based fully worked out example. A thorough state-of-the-art analysis UQKD carried out. paper subsequently theoretical performance through channels, and its dependence optical parameters system seawater. Finally, open challenges, points strength perspectives identified discussed.</p>