Time-Bin Phase-Encoding Quantum-Secured LiDAR Against Spoofing Attacks

Robust and secure ranging is essential for numerous light detection and ranging (LiDAR) applications. Traditional LiDAR systems, however, are susceptible to deception jamming, such as intercept-and-resend spoofing attacks, due to their use of classical signals for interrogating non-cooperative targets. While quantum-secured imaging protocols have been proposed to counter these attacks, practical models have been scarce. This paper presents a quantum-secured LiDAR protocol using time-bin phase-encoded quantum states for simultaneous ranging and security assessment. Ranging is done via cross-correlating signals, and security assessment by statistically analyzing error rates. We develop an analytical model to evaluate the system’s resilience against intercept-resend spoofing attacks, demonstrating through numerical simulations that such attacks can be detected with high probability and low false-alarm rates under certain conditions. The scheme is robust against polarization disturbances and phase drifts, and can be implemented using existing technology, signifying its potential in quantum radar applications to improve the security and reliability of optical ranging and imaging systems.