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Making Existing Quantum Position Verification Protocols Secure Against Arbitrary Transmission Loss

Rene Allerstorfer1,2,*, Andreas Bluhm3,†, Harry Buhrman2,4,5,‡, Matthias Christandl6,§, Llorenç Escolà-Farràs2,5,∥, Florian Speelman2,5,¶, and Philip Verduyn Lunel1,2,7,**

  • *Contact author: rene.allerstorfer@icloud.com
  • †Contact author: Andreas.Bluhm@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
  • ‡Contact author: h.m.buhrman@uva.nl
  • §Contact author: christandl@math.ku.dk
  • ∥Contact author: llorensescola@gmail.com
  • Contact author: f.speelman@uva.nl
  • **Contact author: Philip.Verduyn-Lunel@lip6.fr
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 260801 – Published 22 December, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/szwj-s7r6

Abstract

Signal loss threatens the security of quantum cryptography, especially in quantum position verification (QPV) protocols, where even small losses can compromise security. This Letter modifies traditional QPV to make high transmission loss between verifiers and the prover irrelevant for a class of protocols, including a practically interesting one based on BB84 states (QPVBB84f). Using photon presence detection and a small time delay, as well as a commitment before proceeding, the protocol’s relevant loss rate is reduced to only that of the prover’s lab, and the modified protocol has essentially the same security guarantees as the original one. The adapted protocol c−QPVBB84f thus offers strong security guarantees and feasibility over longer distances. We also discuss the practical implementation of the protocol and parameter estimates.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 260801– Published 22 December, 2025
  • Received 2 February 2024
  • Revised 22 July 2025
  • Accepted 13 November 2025
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