{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Quantum Key Distribution with Displaced Thermal States.
{Author}: Walton A;Ghesquière A;Varcoe BTH;
{Journal}: Entropy (Basel)
{Volume}: 26
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 May 31
{Factor}: 2.738
{DOI}: 10.3390/e26060488
{Abstract}: Secret key exchange relies on the creation of correlated signals, serving as the raw resource for secure communication. Thermal states exhibit Hanbury Brown and Twiss correlations, which offer a promising avenue for generating such signals. In this paper, we present an experimental implementation of a central broadcast thermal-state quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol in the microwave region. Our objective is to showcase a straightforward method of QKD utilizing readily available broadcasting equipment. Unlike conventional approaches to thermal-state QKD, we leverage displaced thermal states. These states enable us to share the output of a thermal source among Alice, Bob, and Eve via both waveguide channels and free space. Through measurement and conversion into bit strings, our protocol produces key-ready bit strings without the need for specialized equipment. By harnessing the inherent noise in thermal broadcasts, our setup facilitates the recovery of distinct bit strings by all parties involved.