arXiv subjects

Robert Malaney

Publications and source records attributed to Robert Malaney.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2019

Inter-satellite Quantum Key Distribution at Terahertz Frequencies

Terahertz (THz) communication is a topic of much research in the context of high-capacity next-generation wireless networks. Quantum communication is also a topic of intensive research, most recently in the context of space-based deployments. In this work we explore the use of THz frequencies as a means to achieve quantum communication within a constellation of micro-satellites in Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO). Quantum communication between the micro-satellite constellation and high-altitude terrestrial stations is also investigated. Our work demonstrates that THz quantum entanglement distribution and THz quantum key distribution are viable deployment options in the micro-satellite context. We discuss how such deployment opens up the possibility for simpler integration of global quantum and wireless networks. The possibility of using THz frequencies for quantum-radar applications in the context of LEO deployments is briefly discussed.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2018

Quantum Communications via Satellite with Photon Subtraction

Non-Gaussian continuous-variable quantum states represent a pivotal resource in many quantum information protocols. Production of such states can occur through photonic subtraction process either at the transmitter side prior to sending a state through the channel, or at the receiver side on receipt of a state that has traversed the channel. In the context of quantum protocols implemented over communication channels to and from Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites it is unclear what photonic subtraction set-up will provide for the best performance. In this work we show that for a popular version of continuous-variable Quantum Key Distribution between terrestrial stations and LEO satellites, photon subtraction at the transmitter side is the preferred set-up. Such a result is opposite to that found for fiber-based implementations. Our results have implications for all future space-based missions that seek to take advantage of the opportunities offered by non-Gaussian quantum states.

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arXiv2018

Satellite-Based Continuous-Variable Quantum Communications: State-of-the-Art and a Predictive Outlook

The recent launch of the Micius quantum-enabled satellite heralds a major step forward for long-range quantum communication. Using single-photon discrete-variable quantum states, this exciting new development proves beyond any doubt that all of the quantum protocols previously deployed over limited ranges in terrestrial experiments can, in fact, be translated to global distances via the use of low-orbit satellites. In this work, we survey the imminent extension of space-based quantum communication to the continuous-variable regime - the quantum regime perhaps most closely related to classical wireless communications. The CV regime offers the potential for increased communication performance and represents the next major step forward for quantum communications and the development of the global quantum internet.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2017

A Note on the Information-Theoretic-(in)Security of Fading Generated Secret Keys

In this work we explore the security of secret keys generated via the electromagnetic reciprocity of the wireless fading channel. Identifying a new sophisticated colluding attack, we explore the information-theoretic-security for such keys in the presence of an all-powerful adversary constrained only by the laws of quantum mechanics. Specifically, we calculate the reduction in the conditional mutual information between transmitter and receiver that can occur when an adversary with unlimited computational and communication resources places directional antenna interceptors at chosen locations. Such locations, in principal, can be arbitrarily far from the intended receiver yet still influence the secret key rate.

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arXiv2017

Multimode Entangled States in the Lossy Channel

In this work we analyse the structure of highly-entangled multimode squeezed states, such as those generated by broadband pulses undergoing type-II parametric down-conversion (PDC). Such down-conversion has previously been touted as a natural and efficient means of cluster-state generation, and therefore a viable future pathway to quantum computation. We first detail how broadband PDC processes lead directly to a series of orthogonal supermodes that are linear combinations of the original frequency modes. We then calculate the total squeezing of the multimode entangled states when they are assumed to be measured by an ideal homodyne detection in which all supermodes of the states are detected by an optimally shaped local oscillator (LO) pulse. For comparison, squeezing of the same entangled states are calculated when measured by a lower-complexity homodyne detection scheme that exploits an unshaped LO pulse. Such calculations illustrate the cost, in the context of squeezing, of moving from higher complexity (harder to implement) homodyne detection to lower-complexity (easier-to-implement) homodyne detection. Finally, by studying the degradation in squeezing of the supermodes under photonic loss, multimode entangled state evolution through an attenuation channel is determined. The results reported here push us towards a fuller understanding of the real-world transfer of cluster-states when they take the form of highly-entangled multimode states in frequency space.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Location-Based Beamforming and Physical Layer Security in Rician Wiretap Channels

We propose a new location-based beamforming (LBB) scheme for wiretap channels, where a multi-antenna source communicates with a single-antenna legitimate receiver in the presence of a multi-antenna eavesdropper. We assume that all channels are in a Rician fading environment, the channel state information from the legitimate receiver is perfectly known at the source, and that the only information on the eavesdropper available at the source is her location. We first describe how the optimal beamforming vector that minimizes the secrecy outage probability of the system is obtained, illustrating its dependence on the eavesdropper's location. We then derive an easy-to-compute expression for the secrecy outage probability when our proposed LBB scheme is adopted. We also consider the positive impact a friendly jammer can have on our beamforming solution, showing how the path to optimality remains the same. Finally, we investigate the impact of location uncertainty on the secrecy outage probability, showing how our solution can still allow for secrecy even when the source only has a noisy estimate of the eavesdropper's location. Our work demonstrates how a multi-antenna array, operating in the most general channel conditions and most likely system set-up, can be configured rapidly in the field so as to deliver an optimal physical layer security solution.

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arXiv2016

Low Complexity Power Allocation Schemes in Regenerative Multi-user Relay Networks

In relay assisted wireless communications, the multi-source, single relay and single destination system (an $M$-1-1 system) is of growing importance, due to the increased demand for higher network throughput and connectivity. Previously, power allocation in $M$-1-1 systems have assumed availability of instantaneous channel state information (CSI), which is rather idealistic. In this paper we consider an $M$-1-1 Decode-and-Forward (DF), Full-Duplex, orthogonal frequencey division multiple access (OFDMA) based relay system with statistical-CSI and analyze the achievable rate $R$ of such a system. We show how $R$ can only be maximized by numerical power allocation schemes which has a high-complexity of order $\mathcal O(M^3)$. By introducing a rational approximation in the achievable rate analysis, we develop two low-complexity power allocation schemes that can obtain a system achievable rate very close to the maximum $R$. Most importantly, we show that the complexity of our power allocation schemes is of order $\mathcal O(M\log M)$. We then show how our power allocation schemes are suitable for a multi-user relay system, where either the priority is to maximize system throughput, or where lower computations in power allocation scheme are essential. The work we present in this paper will be of value to the design and implementation of real-time multi-user relay systems operating under realistic channel conditions.

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arXiv2016

Quantum Entanglement Distribution in Next-Generation Wireless Communication Systems

In this work we analyze the distribution of quantum entanglement over communication channels in the millimeter-wave regime. The motivation for such a study is the possibility for next-generation wireless networks (beyond 5G) to accommodate such a distribution directly - without the need to integrate additional optical communication hardware into the transceivers. Future wireless communication systems are bound to require some level of quantum communications capability. We find that direct quantum-entanglement distribution in the millimeter-wave regime is indeed possible, but that its implementation will be very demanding from both a system-design perspective and a channel-requirement perspective.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

CV-MDI Quantum Key Distribution via Satellite

In this work we analyze a measurement-device-independent (MDI) protocol to establish continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) between two ground stations. We assume communication occurs between the ground stations via satellite over two independent atmospheric-fading channels dominated by turbulence-induced beam wander. In this MDI protocol the measurement device is the satellite itself, and the security of the protocol is analyzed through an equivalent entanglement-based swapping scheme. We quantify the positive impact the fading channels can have on the final quantum key rates, demonstrating how the protocol is able to generate a positive key rate even over high-loss atmospheric channels. This is somewhat counter-intuitive given that the same outcome is only possible in the low-loss regime for a measurement device centrally positioned in a fiber-optic channel. Our results show that useful space-based quantum key generation rates between two ground stations are possible even when the relay satellite is held by an adversary. The cost in key rate incurred by altering the status of the satellite from trustworthy to untrustworthy is presented.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

CV-QKD with Gaussian and non-Gaussian Entangled States over Satellite-based Channels

In this work we investigate the effectiveness of continuous-variable (CV) entangled states, transferred through high-loss atmospheric channels, as a means of viable quantum key distribution (QKD) between terrestrial stations and low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. In particular, we investigate the role played by the Gaussian CV states as compared to non-Gaussian states. We find that beam-wandering induced atmospheric losses lead to QKD performance levels that are in general quite different from those found in fixed-attenuation channels. For example, circumstances can be found where no QKD is viable at some fixed loss in fiber but is viable at the same mean loss in fading channels. We also find that, in some circumstances, the QKD relative performance of Gaussian and non-Gaussian states can in atmospheric channels be the reverse of that found in fixed-attenuation channels. These findings show that the nature of the atmospheric channel can have a large impact on the QKD performance. Our results should prove useful for emerging global quantum communications that use LEO satellites as communication relays.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2016

Artificial-Noise-Aided Transmission in Multi-Antenna Relay Wiretap Channels with Spatially Random Eavesdroppers

We design a new secure transmission scheme in the relay wiretap channel where a source communicates with a destination through a decode-and-forward relay in the presence of spatially random-distributed eavesdroppers. For the sake of practicality, we consider a general antenna configuration in which the source, relay, destination, and eavesdroppers are equipped with multiple antennas. In order to confuse the eavesdroppers, we assume that both the source and the relay transmit artificial noise signals in addition to information signals. We first derive a closed-form expression for the transmission outage probability and an easy-to-compute expression for the secrecy outage probability. Notably, these expressions are valid for an arbitrary number of antennas at the source, relay, and destination. We then derive simple yet valuable expressions for the asymptotic transmission outage probability and the asymptotic secrecy outage probability, which reveal the secrecy performance when the number of antennas at the source grows sufficiently large. Using our expressions, we quantify a practical performance metric, namely the secrecy throughput, under a secrecy outage probability constraint. We further determine the system and channel parameters that maximize the secrecy throughput, leading to analytical security solutions suitable for real-world deployment.

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arXiv2016

Quantum Geo-Encryption

In this work we introduce the concept of quantum geo-encryption - a protocol that invokes direct quantum encryption of messages coupled to quantum location monitoring of the intended receiver. By obfuscating the quantum information required by both the decrypting process and the location verification process, a communication channel is created in which the encrypted data can only be decrypted at a specific geographic locale. Classical wireless communications can be invoked to unlock the quantum encryption process thereby allowing for any deployment scenario regardless of the channel conditions. Quantum geo-encryption can also be used to realize quantum-computing instructions that can only be implemented at a specific location, and allow for a specified geographical data-route through a distributed network. Here we consider the operational aspects of quantum geo-encryption in generic Rician channels, demonstrating that the likelihood of a successful spoofing attack approaches zero as the adversary moves away from the allowed decrypting location. The work introduced here resolves a long-standing quest to directly deliver information which can only be decrypted at a given location free of assumptions on the physical security of a receiver.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

The Quantum Car

I explore the use of quantum information as a security enabler for the future driverless vehicle. Specifically, I investigate the role combined classical and quantum information can have on the most important characteristic of the driverless vehicle paradigm - the vehicle location. By using information-theoretic verification frameworks, coupled with emerging quantum-based location-verification procedures, I show how vehicle positions can be authenticated with a probability of error simply not attainable in classical-only networks. I also discuss how other quantum applications can be seamlessly encapsulated within the same vehicular communication infrastructure required for location verification. The two technology enablers required for the driverless quantum vehicle are an increase in current quantum memory timescales (likely) and wide-scale deployment of classical vehicular communication infrastructure (underway). I argue the enhanced safety features delivered by the `Quantum Car' mean its eventual deployment is inevitable.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Location-Based Beamforming for Rician Wiretap Channels

We propose a location-based beamforming scheme for wiretap channels, where a source communicates with a legitimate receiver in the presence of an eavesdropper. We assume that the source and the eavesdropper are equipped with multiple antennas, while the legitimate receiver is equipped with a single antenna. We also assume that all channels are in a Rician fading environment, the channel state information from the legitimate receiver is perfectly known at the source, and that the only information on the eavesdropper available at the source is her location. We first describe how the beamforming vector that minimizes the secrecy outage probability of the system is obtained, illustrating its dependence on the eavesdropper's location. We then derive an easy-to-compute expression for the secrecy outage probability when our proposed location-based beamforming is adopted. Finally, we investigate the impact location uncertainty has on the secrecy outage probability, showing how our proposed solution can still allow for secrecy even when the source has limited information on the eavesdropper's location.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2015

Entanglement Generation via Non-Gaussian Transfer over Atmospheric Fading Channels

In this work we probe the usefulness of non-Gaussian entangled states as a resource for quantum communication through atmospheric channels. We outline the initial conditions in which non-Gaussian state transfer leads to enhanced entanglement transfer relative to that obtainable via Gaussian state transfer. However, we conclude that in (anticipated) operational scenarios - where most of the non-Gaussian states to be transferred over the air are created just-in-time via photonic subtraction, addition or replacement from incoming Gaussian states - the entanglement-generation rate between stations via non-Gaussian state transfer will be substantially less than that created by direct Gaussian state transfer. The role of post-selection, distillation and quantum memory in altering this conclusion is discussed, and comparison with entanglement rates produced via single-photon technologies is provided. Our results suggest that in the near term entangled Gaussian states, squeezed beyond some modest level, offer the most attractive proposition for the distribution of entanglement through high-loss atmospheric channels. The implications of our results for entanglement-based QKD to low-earth orbit are presented.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Secure Transmission for Relay Wiretap Channels in the Presence of Spatially Random Eavesdroppers

We propose a secure transmission scheme for a relay wiretap channel, where a source communicates with a destination via a decode-and-forward relay in the presence of spatially random-distributed eavesdroppers. We assume that the source is equipped with multiple antennas, whereas the relay, the destination, and the eavesdroppers are equipped with a single antenna each. In the proposed scheme, in addition to information signals, the source transmits artificial noise signals in order to confuse the eavesdroppers. With the target of maximizing the secrecy throughput of the relay wiretap channel, we derive a closed-form expression for the transmission outage probability and an easy-to-compute expression for the secrecy outage probability. Using these expressions, we determine the optimal power allocation factor and wiretap code rates that guarantee the maximum secrecy throughput, while satisfying a secrecy outage probability constraint. Furthermore, we examine the impact of source antenna number on the secrecy throughput, showing that adding extra transmit antennas at the source brings about a significant increase in the secrecy throughput.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2015

Optimization of Code Rates in SISOME Wiretap Channels

We propose a new framework for determining the wiretap code rates of single-input single-output multi-antenna eavesdropper (SISOME) wiretap channels when the capacity of the eavesdropper's channel is not available at the transmitter. In our framework we introduce the effective secrecy throughput (EST) as a new performance metric that explicitly captures the two key features of wiretap channels, namely, reliability and secrecy. Notably, the EST measures the average rate of the confidential information transmitted from the transmitter to the intended receiver without being eavesdropped on. We provide easy-to-implement methods to determine the wiretap code rates for two transmission schemes: 1) adaptive transmission scheme in which the capacity of the main channel is available at the transmitter and 2) fixed-rate transmission scheme in which the capacity of the main channel is not available at the transmitter. Such determinations are further extended into an absolute-passive eavesdropping scenario where even the average signal-to-noise ratio of the eavesdropper's channel is not available at the transmitter. Notably, our solutions for the wiretap code rates do not require us to set reliability or secrecy constraints for the transmission within wiretap channels.

cs.IT↗

arXiv2015

Improved Quantum LDPC Decoding Strategies For The Misidentified Quantum Depolarizing Channel

Quantum cryptography via key distribution mechanisms that utilize quantum entanglement between sender-receiver pairs will form the basis of future large-scale quantum networks. A key engineering challenge in such networks will be the ability to correct for decoherence effects in the distributed entanglement resources. It is widely believed that sophisticated quantum error correction codes, such as quantum low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, will be pivotal in such a role. However, recently the importance of the channel mismatch effect in degrading the performance of deployed quantum LDPC codes has been pointed out. In this work we help remedy this situation by proposing new quantum LDPC decoding strategies that can significantly reduce performance degradation by as much as $50\%$. Our new strategies for the quantum LDPC decoder are based on previous insights from classical LDPC decoders in mismatched channels, where an asymmetry in performance is known as a function of the estimated channel noise. We show how similar asymmetries carry over to the quantum depolarizing channel, and how an estimate of the depolarization flip parameter weighted to larger values leads to significant performance improvement.

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