Security of Quantum Key Distribution with Entangled Qutrits

Abstract

The study of quantum cryptography and quantum non-locality have traditionnally been based on two-level quantum systems (qubits). In this paper we consider a generalisation of Ekert's cryptographic protocol [Ekert] where qubits are replaced by qutrits. The security of this protocol is related to non-locality, in analogy with Ekert's protocol. In order to study its robustness against the optimal individual attacks, we derive the information gained by a potential eavesdropper applying a cloning-based attack.