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An Implementation of Post-Processing Software in Quantum Key Distribution

Xiaxiang Lin, Xiang Peng, Hao Yan, Wei Jiang, Tian Liu, Hong Mei Guo

Published Jan 1, 2009• 8 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Post-processing is an important part of quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This paper discusses the motivation for designing a multi-thread QKD post processing software, its architecture, communication protocol specification, and synchronization issues. It is shown that efficiency is gained from multi-thread programming. Future work to improve the software is also discussed.

DOI
10.1109/csie.2009.384

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Post-processing is an important part of quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This paper discusses the motivation for designing a multi-thread QKD post processing software, its architecture, communication protocol specification, and synchronization issues. It is shown that efficiency is gained from multi-thread programming. Future work to improve the software is also discussed.
Although the quantum technology introduces an unprecedented threat to the classical encryption field, the combination of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and one-time pad makes the absolutely secure encryption possible. However the key distribution rate of most QKD systems still cannot meet the requirements of practical applications. The complex QKD post-processing is one of the largest obstacles to improving the key distribution rate. In this paper, the design and implementation of a multi-thread QKD post-processing software is introduced, including the motivation, architecture and communication protocol. The QKD post processing software is flexible, efficient and easy to implement.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems are a novel technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure cryptographic keys between two geographically separated parties. They are suitable for use in applications where high levels of secrecy are required, such as banking, government, and military environments. In this paper, we describe the development of a module-based QKD simulation framework that facilitates the modeling of QKD post-processing functionalities. We highlight design choices made to improve upon an initial design, which included the segmentation of functionalities associated with various phases of QKD post-processing into discrete modules implementing abstract interfaces. In addition, communication between modules was improved by implementing observers to share data, and a specific strategy for dealing with post-processing synchronization and configuration activities was designed. Collectively, these improvements resulted in a significantly enhanced analysis capability to model and study the security and performance characteristics associated with specific QKD system designs.
Improvement of QKD performance, particularly on key generation rate, has been required to meet current network traffic. A high-speed QKD system should be equipped with low loss receivers with high visibility, highly efficient photon detectors with small dark count probability, and a stable clock synchronization system with low stray light to the quantum signals, because the key generation rate is determined by photon detection rate and error rate. High speed post processing is also required to improve key generation through-put. A solution for these issues will be discussed.
The increasing efforts by different organizations and countries regarding quantum key distribution (QKD) for secure communications are likely to result in diverse implementations for distinct users. To address this, the development of a software framework for a multi-encoding QKD system is proposed. Part of this framework are the time synchronization between transmitter and receiver, input generation for the arbitrary waveform generator (AWG) used in the implementation, as well as computing the quantum bit error rate (QBER) and secret key rate (SKR) for the employed protocol. This framework support various protocols, such as decoy-state BB84, differential phase-shift (DPS) or coherent one-way (COW), enabling a transmitter to securely exchange keys with different types of receivers. Our approach involves designing a modular and scalable architecture accommodating multiple QKD protocols to ensure compatibility and flexibility. The framework is a step towards interoperability and future-proofing in case current protocols become obsolete.
Recent experimental demonstrations of quantum key distribution (QKD) have caught worldwide attention for their ability to transmit encryption keys. Current commercial QKD typically uses discrete optical components, resulting in systems which are typically sized to fit within telecommunications racks. Widespread deployment of QKD systems will require low-SWaP (i.e., Size, Weight, and Power) QKD systems, thus Photonic Integration is seen as a key enabler of widespread adoption. QKD post-processing systems play a significant role in the distillation and high-speed generation of secure keys for discrete variable (DV) or continuous variable (CV) QKD protocols. Interest in using heterogeneous computing techniques for QKD post-processing is growing, owing to the emergence of domain-specific hardware accelerators for efficient quantum information processing applications. We hence discuss in a tutorial manner the principles and techniques of QKD post-processing. Characteristics of representative heterogeneous platforms for QKD post-processing implementations are compared, along with a review of the state-of-the-art QKD post-processing accelerators.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a rapidly advancing field, yet there is often a divide between theory, experiment, and practice. One difficulty in evaluating novel QKD protocols is in the post-processing needed. We are reporting here on the current development of a modular QKD software stack researchers can use to evaluate the performance of new QKD protocols, either using real hardware or simulated. We are designing our system to be modular and extendable allowing for rapid prototyping of new systems.