Quantum Communications and Information Security

Abstract

This thesis explores the critical advancements in quantum communication with a primary focus on the BB84 protocol, the foundation of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). It delves into the theoretical principles, practical implementation using Qiskit, and performance evaluation through metrics like entropy, Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER), and efficiency. Comparative analysis with alternative protocols, such as B92 and SARG04, highlights their advantages, limitations, and suitability for real-world applications. The work also addresses challenges like photon number splitting attacks and implementation imperfections, contributing to the development of robust quantum cryptographic systems. By bridging theory and practice, the thesis emphasizes the transformative potential of quantum cryptography in securing communication against both classical and quantum threats. This comprehensive study paves the way for advancements in secure, scalable quantum communication technologies.