Quantum Encryption in Phase Space

Quantum Encryption in Phase Space (QEPS) is a physical-layer encryption framework that harnesses the quantum-mechanical properties of coherent states to secure optical communications against both classical and quantum computational threats. By applying randomized phase shifts, displacements, or their dynamic combinations—implemented as unitary transformations in phase space—QEPS disrupts the phase reference essential for coherent detection, establishing a phase synchronization barrier. This review synthesizes the theoretical foundations, security mechanisms, and experimental progress of the QEPS framework, encompassing its three principal variants: the round-trip Quantum Public Key Envelope (QPKE) protocol—a public-key-like scheme built upon phase randomization (QEPS-p), the symmetric phase-only QEPS-p, and the displacement-based QEPS-d. Experimental validations demonstrate that authorized users achieve bit-error rates (BER) below the forward-error-correction threshold, whereas eavesdroppers are confined to BER near 50%, equivalent to random guessing—all while utilizing standard coherent optical transceivers at data rates up to 200 Gb/s over 80 km of fiber. We further examine QEPS’s robustness to channel impairments, its seamless compatibility with existing digital signal processing (DSP) pipelines, and its distinctive position within the post-quantum cryptography landscape. Finally, we outline key challenges and future research directions toward deploying QEPS as a practical, quantum-resistant security layer for next-generation optical networks.