Photonic chips as a platform for DIY QKD

量子密钥分发（QKD）提供了一种完全保密的信息交换手段，其中密钥生成的安全性由量子力学定律保证。这种量子安全的密码学是面向未来的，即使是量子计算机。然而，在这个框架内，QKD系统和协议中使用的设备和组件的操作存在微妙之处，可能导致安全性受损。恶意攻击者最明显的途径是瞄准控制协议的设备和软件中的这些漏洞。此外，攻击者可能会瞄准QKD系统制造商的内部，从内部损害安全性。在这个项目中，我们希望探索一种激进的替代方案。基于“开源”的概念和“自己动手”的概念，我们将考虑一种基于芯片的被动方案与开源软件相结合的QKD。这种DIY-QKD将使客户能够更灵活地使用可靠的组件构建自己的系统，完全被动的芯片和开源软件的信任关闭了许多向恶意对手开放的渠道。

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides a means to exchange information with total privacy, where the security the key generation is guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. This quantum-safe cryptography is future-proof, even to a quantum computer. Within this framework, however, there are subtleties in the operation of the devices and components used in the QKD systems and protocols which can lead to compromised security. The most obvious route for a malicious adversary is to target these vulnerabilities in the devices and software controlling the protocol. Furthermore, the adversaries may look to target the internals of the QKD system manufacturer, compromising security from within. In this project, we look to explore a radical alternative. Based on the concepts of 'open-source' and the notion of 'do it yourself', we will consider an alternative chip-based passive scheme to QKD coupled with open-source software. This DIY-QKD would allow customers greater flexibility to build their owns systems using tried and trusted components, with the trust of completely passive chips and open-source software closing many of the channels open to a malicious adversary.