Loss tolerant device-independent quantum key distribution: a proof of principle

Abstract

We here present the rate analysis and a proof of principle realization of a device-independent quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol requiring the lowest detection efficiency necessary to achieve a secure key compared to device-independent protocols known so far. The protocol is based on non-maximally entangled state and its experimental realization has been performed by two-photon bipartite entangled states. The improvement with respect to protocols involving maximally entangled states has been estimated.