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Momtchil Peev

Publications and source records attributed to Momtchil Peev.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Tensor Network Moral Graph Recovery of Discrete Probability Distributions

We present a method for recovering the moral graph of a causal DAG from a probability distribution over discrete variables, using fully connected tensor networks (FCTNs) with nuclear-norm-regularized bond corrections. Each bond matrix is parameterized as a baseline all-ones matrix plus a low-rank correction $C_{ij} = U_{ij}V_{ij}^\top$, and the nuclear norm of the correction implemented via the variational Frobenius norm penalty on the factors drives unnecessary bonds to zero. We prove that under faithfulness, positivity, and a no-implicit-rerouting assumption on the local tensor architecture, \textbf{every} optimal FCTN with zero reconstruction error $\varepsilon = 0$ has effective graph exactly equal to the moral graph. For the approximate regime ($\varepsilon > 0$), we provide explicit recovery bounds using the Fannes-Audenaert continuity of conditional mutual information, and derive a sufficient condition on the regularization parameter $\beta$. The effective graph is read directly from the optimized bond matrices.

stat.ML

Column Generation for the Optimization of Switching in Repeaterless Quantum Networks

Efficient resource allocation and optical switching promise high key rates, network adaptability, and cost reduction in repeaterless quantum communication networks. However, identifying optimal switching configurations remains a significant challenge due to the combinatorial complexity. We introduce a novel graph formulation to model the physical and logical structure of repeaterless quantum networks, enabling the systematic optimization of switching strategies. The problem is posed as a linear program and solved using a column generation approach. This method enables scalable computation despite the exponential number of possible network configurations. Our results not only provide a formal foundation but also a practical algorithm for the optimization of switching. Empirical tests confirm the solver's scalability with network size, demonstrating the framework's effectiveness and laying the groundwork for future optimization of quantum network control.

quant-ph

Switching Coordinator: An SDN Application for Flexible QKD-Networks

A monitor and control framework for quantum-key-distribution (QKD) networks equipped with switching capabilities was developed. On the one hand, this framework provides real-time visibility into operational metrics. Specifically, it extracts essential data, such as the switching capabilities of QKD modules, the number of keys stored in buffer queues of the QKD links, and the respective key generation and consumption rates along these links. On the other hand, this framework allows software-defined networking (SDN) applications to operate on the collected information and address the cryptographic needs of the network. The SDN applications dynamically adapt the configuration of the switched network to align with its changing demands, e.g.,~prioritizing key availability on critical paths, responding to link failures, or reallocating generation capacity to prevent bottlenecks. This contribution demonstrates that the combination of switched QKD, centralized control, and global optimization strategies enables efficient, policy-driven operation of QKD networks. The cryptographic resources are allocated to maximize performance and resilience while remaining aligned with the specific policies set by network administrators.

cs.CR

The optical architecture of a heterogenous quantum network deployed in production facilities

Quantum Communications promise advances in cryptography, quantum computing and clock synchronisation, among other emerging applications. However, communication based on quantum phenomena requires an extreme level of isolation from external disturbances, complicating the co-propagation of quantum and classical signals. The challenge is greater when deploying networks that are both heterogeneous (e.g., multiple vendors) and installed in production facilities, given that this type of infrastructure already supports networks loaded with their own requirements. Moreover, to achieve a broad acceptance among network operators, the joint management and operation of quantum and classical resources, compliance with standards, and legal and quality assurance need to be addressed. This article presents solutions to the aforementioned challenges validated in the Madrid quantum network during the implementation of the projects CiViC and OpenQKD. This network was designed to integrate quantum communications in the telecommunications ecosystem by installing quantum-key-distribution modules from multiple providers in production nodes of two different operators. The modules were connected through an optically-switched network with more than 130~km of deployed optical fibre. The tests were done in compliance with strict service level agreements that protected the legacy traffic of the pre-existing classical network. The goal was to ensure full quantum-classical interoperability at all levels, while limiting the modifications to optical transport and encryption and complying with relevant standards. This effort is intended to lay the foundation for large-scale quantum network deployments.

quant-ph

Linking QKD testbeds across Europe

Quantum-key-distribution (QKD) networks are gaining importance and it has become necessary to analyze the most appropriate methods for their long-distance interconnection. In this paper, four different methods of interconnecting remote QKD networks are proposed. The methods are used to link three different QKD testbeds in Europe, located in Berlin, Madrid, and Poznan. Although long-distance QKD links are only emulated, the used methods can serve as a blueprint for a secure interconnection of distant QKD networks in the future. Specifically, the presented approaches combine, in a transparent way, different fiber and satellite physical media, as well as common standards of key-delivery interfaces. The testbed interconnections are designed to increase the security by utilizing multipath techniques and multiple hybridizations of QKD and post quantum cryptography (PQC) algorithms.

cs.CR

Pilot-assisted intradyne reception for high-speed continuous-variable quantum key distribution with true local oscillator

We present a pilot-assisted coherent intradyne reception methodology for CV-QKD with true local oscillator. An optically phase-locked reference tone, prepared using carrier-suppressed optical single-sideband modulation, is multiplexed in polarisation and frequency to the 250 Mbaud quantum signal in order to provide optical frequency- and phase matching between quantum signal and local oscillator. Our concept allows for high symbol rates and can be operated at an extremely low excess-noise level, as validated by experimental measurements.

quant-ph

The Engineering of Software-Defined Quantum Key Distribution Networks

Quantum computers will change the cryptographic panorama. A technology once believed to lay far away into the future is increasingly closer to real world applications. Quantum computers will break the algorithms used in our public key infrastructure and in our key exchange protocols, forcing a complete retooling of the cryptography as we know it. Quantum Key distribution is a physical layer technology immune to quantum or classical computational threats. However, it requires a physical substrate, and optical fiber has been the usual choice. Most of the time used just as a point to point link for the exclusive transport of the delicate quantum signals. Its integration in a real-world shared network has not been attempted so far. Here we show how the new programmable software network architectures, together with specially designed quantum systems can be used to produce a network that integrates classical and quantum communications, including management, in a single, production-level infrastructure. The network can also incorporate new quantum-safe algorithms and use the existing security protocols, thus bridging the gap between today's network security and the quantum-safe network of the future. This can be done in an evolutionary way, without zero-day migrations and the corresponding upfront costs. We also present how the technologies have been deployed in practice using a production network.

cs.NI

A Novel Approach to Quality of Service Provisioning in Trusted Relay Quantum Key Distribution Networks

In recent years, noticeable progress has been made in the development of quantum equipment, reflected through the number of successful demonstrations of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) technology. Although they showcase the great achievements of QKD, many practical difficulties still need to be resolved. Inspired by the significant similarity between mobile ad-hoc networks and QKD technology, we propose a novel quality of service (QoS) model including new metrics for determining the states of public and quantum channels as well as a comprehensive metric of the QKD link. We also propose a novel routing protocol to achieve high-level scalability and minimize consumption of cryptographic keys. Given the limited mobility of nodes in QKD networks, our routing protocol uses the geographical distance and calculated link states to determine the optimal route. It also benefits from a caching mechanism and detection of returning loops to provide effective forwarding while minimizing key consumption and achieving the desired utilization of network links. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed solutions.

cs.NI

Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with Gaussian Modulation -- The Theory of Practical Implementations

Quantum key distribution using weak coherent states and homodyne detection is a promising candidate for practical quantum-cryptographic implementations due to its compatibility with existing telecom equipment and high detection efficiencies. However, despite the actual simplicity of the protocol, the security analysis of this method is rather involved compared to discrete-variable QKD. In this article we review the theoretical foundations of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) with Gaussian modulation and rederive the essential relations from scratch in a pedagogical way. The aim of this paper is to be as comprehensive and self-contained as possible in order to be well intelligible even for readers with little pre-knowledge on the subject. Although the present article is a theoretical discussion of CV-QKD, its focus lies on practical implementations, taking into account various kinds of hardware imperfections and suggesting practical methods to perform the security analysis subsequent to the key exchange. Apart from a review of well known results, this manuscript presents a set of new original noise models which are helpful to get an estimate of how well a given set of hardware will perform in practice.

quant-ph

Space QUEST mission proposal: Experimentally testing decoherence due to gravity

Models of quantum systems on curved space-times lack sufficient experimental verification. Some speculative theories suggest that quantum properties, such as entanglement, may exhibit entirely different behavior to purely classical systems. By measuring this effect or lack thereof, we can test the hypotheses behind several such models. For instance, as predicted by Ralph and coworkers [T C Ralph, G J Milburn, and T Downes, Phys. Rev. A, 79(2):22121, 2009, T C Ralph and J Pienaar, New Journal of Physics, 16(8):85008, 2014], a bipartite entangled system could decohere if each particle traversed through a different gravitational field gradient. We propose to study this effect in a ground to space uplink scenario. We extend the above theoretical predictions of Ralph and coworkers and discuss the scientific consequences of detecting/failing to detect the predicted gravitational decoherence. We present a detailed mission design of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Space QUEST (Space - Quantum Entanglement Space Test) mission, and study the feasibility of the mission schema.

quant-ph

Attacks on quantum key distribution protocols that employ non-ITS authentication

We demonstrate how adversaries with unbounded computing resources can break Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocols which employ a particular message authentication code suggested previously. This authentication code, featuring low key consumption, is not Information-Theoretically Secure (ITS) since for each message the eavesdropper has intercepted she is able to send a different message from a set of messages that she can calculate by finding collisions of a cryptographic hash function. However, when this authentication code was introduced it was shown to prevent straightforward Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) attacks against QKD protocols. In this paper, we prove that the set of messages that collide with any given message under this authentication code contains with high probability a message that has small Hamming distance to any other given message. Based on this fact we present extended MITM attacks against different versions of BB84 QKD protocols using the addressed authentication code; for three protocols we describe every single action taken by the adversary. For all protocols the adversary can obtain complete knowledge of the key, and for most protocols her success probability in doing so approaches unity. Since the attacks work against all authentication methods which allow to calculate colliding messages, the underlying building blocks of the presented attacks expose the potential pitfalls arising as a consequence of non-ITS authentication in QKD-postprocessing. We propose countermeasures, increasing the eavesdroppers demand for computational power, and also prove necessary and sufficient conditions for upgrading the discussed authentication code to the ITS level.

quant-ph

Demystifying the Information Reconciliation Protocol Cascade

Cascade is an information reconciliation protocol proposed in the context of secret key agreement in quantum cryptography. This protocol allows removing discrepancies in two partially correlated sequences that belong to distant parties, connected through a public noiseless channel. It is highly interactive, thus requiring a large number of channel communications between the parties to proceed and, although its efficiency is not optimal, it has become the de-facto standard for practical implementations of information reconciliation in quantum key distribution. The aim of this work is to analyze the performance of Cascade, to discuss its strengths, weaknesses and optimization possibilities, comparing with some of the modified versions that have been proposed in the literature. When looking at all design trade-offs, a new view emerges that allows to put forward a number of guidelines and propose near optimal parameters for the practical implementation of Cascade improving performance significantly in comparison with all previous proposals.

quant-ph

A Differential Phase Shift Scheme for Quantum Key Distribution in Passive Optical Networks

We propose a scheme for quantum key distribution (QKD) in a passive optical network (PON) based on differential phase shift (DPS) coding. A centralized station including all expensive components serves many users, making it suitable for a true multi-user network in a local environment with moderate distances on the order of a few kilometers. The emphasis lies on an asymmetric design for cost effective implementation of network end points.

quant-ph

Using quantum key distribution for cryptographic purposes: a survey

The appealing feature of quantum key distribution (QKD), from a cryptographic viewpoint, is the ability to prove the information-theoretic security (ITS) of the established keys. As a key establishment primitive, QKD however does not provide a standalone security service in its own: the secret keys established by QKD are in general then used by a subsequent cryptographic applications for which the requirements, the context of use and the security properties can vary. It is therefore important, in the perspective of integrating QKD in security infrastructures, to analyze how QKD can be combined with other cryptographic primitives. The purpose of this survey article, which is mostly centered on European research results, is to contribute to such an analysis. We first review and compare the properties of the existing key establishment techniques, QKD being one of them. We then study more specifically two generic scenarios related to the practical use of QKD in cryptographic infrastructures: 1) using QKD as a key renewal technique for a symmetric cipher over a point-to-point link; 2) using QKD in a network containing many users with the objective of offering any-to-any key establishment service. We discuss the constraints as well as the potential interest of using QKD in these contexts. We finally give an overview of challenges relative to the development of QKD technology that also constitute potential avenues for cryptographic research.

quant-ph

A simple and robust method for characterization of afterpulsing in single photon detectors

Single photon detectors are important for a wide range of applications each with their own specific requirements, which makes necessary the precise characterization of detectors. Here, we present a simple and accurate methodology of characterizing dark count rate, detection efficiency, and after-pulsing in single photon detectors purely based on their counting statistics. We demonstrate our new method on a custom-made, free-running single photon detector based on an InGaAs based avalanche photo diode (APD), though the methodology presented here is applicable for any type of single photon detector.

quant-ph

Entanglement Distribution in Optical Networks

The ability to generate entangled photon-pairs over a broad wavelength range opens the door to the simultaneous distribution of entanglement to multiple users in a network by using centralized sources and flexible wavelength-division multiplexing schemes. Here we show the design of a metropolitan optical network consisting of tree-type access networks whereby entangled photon-pairs are distributed to any pair of users, independent of their location. The network is constructed employing commercial off-the-shelf components and uses the existing infrastructure, which allows for moderate deployment costs. We further develop a channel plan and a network-architecture design to provide a direct optical path between any pair of users, thus allowing classical and one-way quantum communication as well as entanglement distribution. This allows the simultaneous operation of multiple quantum information technologies. Finally, we present a more flexible backbone architecture that pushes away the load limitations of the original network design by extending its reach, number of users and capabilities.

quant-ph

Quantum Metropolitan Optical Network based on Wavelength Division Multiplexing

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is maturing quickly. However, the current approaches to its application in optical networks make it an expensive technology. QKD networks deployed to date are designed as a collection of point-to-point, dedicated QKD links where non-neighboring nodes communicate using the trusted repeater paradigm. We propose a novel optical network model in which QKD systems share the communication infrastructure by wavelength multiplexing their quantum and classical signals. The routing is done using optical components within a metropolitan area which allows for a dynamically any-to-any communication scheme. Moreover, it resembles a commercial telecom network, takes advantage of existing infrastructure and utilizes commercial components, allowing for an easy, cost-effective and reliable deployment.

quant-ph

Quantum Interference between a Single-Photon Fock State and a Coherent State

We derive analytical expressions for the single mode quantum field state at the individual output ports of a beam splitter when a single-photon Fock state and a coherent state are incident on the input ports. The output states turn out to be a statistical mixture between a displaced Fock state and a coherent state. Consequently we are able to find an analytical expression for the corresponding Wigner function. Because of the generality of our calculations the obtained results are valid for all passive and lossless optical four port devices. We show further how the results can be adapted to the case of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer. In addition we consider the case for which the single-photon Fock state is replaced with a general input state: a coherent input state displaces each general quantum state at the output port of a beam splitter with the displacement parameter being the amplitude of the coherent state.

quant-ph