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How does quantum entanglement enhance the security of quantum key distribution?
Asked on Dec 02, 2025
Answer
Quantum entanglement plays a crucial role in enhancing the security of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) by ensuring that any eavesdropping attempt can be detected. In QKD protocols like BB84 and E91, entangled qubits are used to establish a shared secret key between parties, with the entanglement properties ensuring that any interception or measurement by an eavesdropper will disturb the system, thus revealing their presence.
Example Concept: In QKD, entangled qubits are distributed between two parties (Alice and Bob). The entanglement ensures that the measurement outcomes are correlated. If an eavesdropper (Eve) tries to intercept the qubits, the entanglement is disturbed, altering the measurement statistics. By comparing a subset of their measurement results, Alice and Bob can detect any discrepancies introduced by Eve, ensuring the security of the key distribution process.
Additional Comment:
- Entanglement-based QKD protocols, such as E91, rely on the violation of Bell's inequalities to detect eavesdropping.
- Quantum entanglement ensures that any measurement by an unauthorized party introduces detectable errors.
- QKD systems often use entangled photon pairs to establish secure communication channels.
- Real-world implementations require careful management of decoherence and loss to maintain entanglement fidelity.
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