State-independent quantum key distribution with two-way classical communication

Abstract

A quantum key distribution protocol is proposed that is a variation of BB84 that provides raw key generation from correlations that violate a Bell-type inequality for single qubit systems and not entangled pairs. Additionally, it 1) is state-independent, 2) involves two-way classical communication, and 3) does not require basis matching between the two parties. The Brukner-Taylor-Cheung-Vedral (BTCV) time-like form of the Bell-CHSH inequality [C. Brukner, S. Taylor, S. Cheung, V. Vedral arXiv:quant-ph/0402127] is employed as an eavesdropping check; sequential measurements lead to an inequality identical in form to the Bell-CHSH inequality, which relies only on the measurements performed with no regard for the qubit states. We show that this form manifests naturally from the non-commutativity of observables.