Secure Quantum Data Communications Using Classical Keying Material

Abstract

We put together recent results on quantum cryptography and random generation of quantum operators. In a synthetic way, we review the work on quantum message authentication by Aharonov et al. and Broadbent and Wainewright. We also outline the work on asymmetric and symmetric-key encryption of Alagic et al. and St-Jules. Quantum operators, i.e., Cliffords and Paulis, play the role of keys in their work. Using the work of Koenig and Smolin on the generation of symplectics, we examine how classical key material, i.e., classical bits, can mapped to quantum operators. We propose a classical key mapping to quantum operators used in quantum cryptography. It is a classical cryptography interface to quantum data cryptography. The main advantage is that classical random key generation techniques can be used to produce keys for quantum data cryptography.