Analysis of the Impact of Quantum Measurement Reliability on Performance and Security in Quantum Cryptography Protocols: An Experimental Study Using Quantum Gates

Abstract This research investigates the critical role of quantum measurement reliability in the performance and security of quantum cryptography protocols, specifically focusing on the impact of noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. Through a series of experimental studies conducted using quantum gates on IBM quantum computers (ibm_brisbane and ibm_torino), we analyze how measurement errors affect key performance indicators such as Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) and state fidelity. Our findings demonstrate that even minor inaccuracies in quantum measurements can significantly compromise the security and efficiency of quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. We provide a comprehensive statistical analysis of the experimental data, including confidence intervals and error propagation, to quantify these effects. Furthermore, we delve into potential attack models, such as intercept-resend and Trojan-horse attacks, and discuss their susceptibility to measurement imperfections. This study highlights the urgent need for robust error mitigation and correction techniques to ensure the practical viability and cryptographic strength of quantum communication systems in the evolving quantum era.