What is BB84 protocol?

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1. Definition

The BB84 protocol is the first quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol, proposed in 1984 by Charles Bennett and Gilles Brassard.
It allows two parties (commonly called Alice and Bob) to generate a shared secret encryption key securely, using the principles of quantum mechanics.

2. Core Idea

The protocol relies on:

  • Quantum states of photons (polarization).

  • Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle – measuring a quantum state disturbs it.

  • This ensures that if an eavesdropper (Eve) tries to intercept the photons, her interference will be detected.

3. How BB84 Works (Step by Step)

  1. Photon Transmission:

    • Alice sends Bob a sequence of photons, each polarized in one of four possible states:

      • Rectilinear basis (+): Horizontal (0°) or Vertical (90°)

      • Diagonal basis (×): 45° or 135°

  2. Random Measurement:

    • Bob measures each photon using a random choice of basis (rectilinear or diagonal).

    • If Bob chooses the same basis as Alice, he gets the correct bit. If not, the result is random.

  3. Basis Comparison:

    • After transmission, Alice and Bob publicly compare which bases they used (but not the results).

    • They keep only the bits where their bases matched → this forms the raw key.

  4. Error Checking & Privacy Amplification:

    • To check for eavesdropping, Alice and Bob compare a small portion of their key.

    • If the error rate is too high, they know Eve was listening. If not, they proceed.

    • They may shorten the key slightly to remove any leaked information.

  5. Final Secret Key:

    • The remaining bits form the shared secret key, which can be used with classical encryption (like the one-time pad).

4. Why It’s Secure

  • If Eve tries to intercept the photons, she must guess the basis.

  • Wrong guesses disturb the quantum state, introducing detectable errors.

  • Thus, Alice and Bob can detect Eve’s presence and discard compromised keys.

5. Advantages of BB84

  • Provides provable security based on physics.

  • Detects eavesdropping immediately.

  • Foundation of many modern QKD systems.

6. Limitations

  • Requires special quantum communication hardware.

  • Limited transmission distance without repeaters.

  • Currently expensive and complex to deploy widely.

Key Tip:
Think of BB84 as Alice sending Bob a lock combination using fragile glass beads. If Eve tries to steal them, the beads break (states change), alerting Alice and Bob.

Read More  :

What are the limitations of quantum computing today?

What industries will be disrupted by quantum computing?

What is quantum cryptography?

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