Patent attributes
An identity authentication method for a quantum key distribution process includes selecting, by a sender, preparation bases of an identity authentication bit string in accordance with a preset basis vector selection rule; sending, by a sender, quantum states of the identity authentication bit string and quantum states of a randomly generated key bit string by using different wavelengths. The identity authentication bit string is interleaved in the key bit string at a random position and with a random length. The method further includes measuring, by a receiver, the received quantum states in the quantum state information in accordance with the different wavelengths and measurement bases selected according to the preset basis vector selection rule to obtain identity authentication information from the measurement of the identity authentication bit string; and determining, by the receiver, whether the identity authentication information obtained through the measurement corresponds with the preset basis vector selection rule.