Multi-Party Semi-Quantum Key Distribution Protocol With Four-Particle Cluster States

The application of semi-quantum conception can provide unconditional secure communication for communicators without quantum capabilities. A semi-quantum key distribution (SQKD) protocol based on four-particle cluster states is put forward, which can achieve key distribution among one quantum party and two classical parties simultaneously. Furthermore, this protocol can be expanded to the chi-party (chi>3) communication scheme. Compared with the existing multi-party SQKD protocol, the proposed protocol and the extended one own more excellent time efficiency and qubit efficiency. The security of the proposed SQKD protocol under ideal circumstances is validated while the key rate under non-ideal conditions is calculated.