What’s New

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers information-theoretic security but relies critically on authenticated classical channels for post-processing steps (e.g., basis sifting and key reconciliation). Without authentication, these channels are vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks. Traditional methods require Alice and Bob to pre-share symmetric keys via physical meetings—a solution incompatible with multi-user QKD networks. We experimentally demonstrate a practical solution using post-quantum signature algorithms to authenticate QKD classical channels. This approach was validated under multiple QKD network topologies in laboratory environments and a real-world metropolitan QKD network operating continuously for 36 days. Our implementation provides quantum-resistant security while uniquely requiring only short-term security (e.g., ~1 second during authentication), contrasting with long-term security assumptions for post-quantum encryption. Additionally, we propose a quantum-teleportation-based protocol for message authentication that simultaneously ensures confidentiality—enabling secure key reconciliation in QKD.

There is a holographic correspondence between (1) nD quantum systems with symmetry C and (2) nD boundaries of the n+1D topological order Z(C), where Z(C) is mathematically the Drinfeld center of C. Such mysterious topological holography has numerous applications and consequences, especially in the recent emerging field of generalized symmetry. By a rigorous construction and proof in 1+1D, we show that the Drinfeld center Z(C) naturally arise as the category of fixed-point local tensors with symmetry C, thus revealing the origin of topological holography. This talk is based on arXiv:2412.07198.

We are pleased to announce that Professor Yuxin Zhao, fellow at the HK Institute of Quantum Science & Technology, has recently been awarded the prestigious title of HKU-100 Scholar by the University. In his outstanding research, Professor Zhao has mainly focused on novel topological quantum matter. Several theories of topological physics established by him and co-workers, including those on topological metals, were pioneering and well-recognized internationally. Please join us in congratulating Professor Zhao on this remarkable achievement, which not only honours his contributions to the field but also significantly advances the capabilities of our institute in the realm of quantum science and technology.