We show that the secret key generation rate can be balanced with the maximum secure distance of four-state continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) by using the linear optics cloning machine (LOCM). Benefiting from the LOCM operation, the LOCM-tuned noise can be employed by the reference partner of reconciliation to achieve higher secret key generation rates over a long distance. Simulation results show that the LOCM operation can flexibly regulate the secret key generation rate and the maximum secure distance and improve the performance of four-state CV-QKD protocol by dynamically tuning parameters in an appropriate range.
We show that the secret key generation rate can be balanced with the maximum secure distance of four-state continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) by using the linear optics cloning machine (LOCM). Benefiting from the LOCM operation, the LOCM-tuned noise can be employed by the reference partner of reconciliation to achieve higher secret key generation rates over a long distance. Simulation results show that the LOCM operation can flexibly regulate the secret key generation rate and the maximum secure distance and improve the performance of four-state CV-QKD protocol by dynamically tuning parameters in an appropriate range.
We show that the tolerable excess noise can be elegantly controlled while inserting a tunable linear optics cloning machine (LOCM) for continuous-variable key distribution (CVQKD). The LOCM-tuned noise can be stabilized to an optimal value by the reference partner of reconciliation to guarantee the high secret key rate. Simulation results show that there is a considerable improvement of the performance for the LOCM-based CVQKD protocol in terms of the secret rate while making a fine balance between the secret key rate and the transmission distance with the dynamically tuned parameters in suitable ranges.
We propose a method to improve the secret key rate of an eight-state continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) by using a linear optics cloning machine (LOCM). In the proposed scheme, an LOCM is exploited to compensate for the imperfections of Bob's apparatus, so that the generated secret key rate of the eight-state protocol could be well enhanced. We investigate the security of our proposed protocol in a finite-size scenario so as to further approach the practical value of a secret key rate. Numeric simulation shows that the LOCM with reasonable tuning gain λ and transmittance τ can effectively improve the secret key rate of eight-state CVQKD in both an asymptotic limit and a finite-size regime. Furthermore, we obtain the tightest bound of the secure distance by taking the finite-size effect into account, which is more practical than that obtained in the asymptotic limit.
In experimental setups of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) independently modulating the amplitude and phase of coherent states, the ideal Gaussian modulation will be degraded into discretized polar modulation (DPM) due to the finite resolution of the driving voltages of electro-optical modulators. To compensate for the performance degradation induced by the joint effect of amplitude and phase discretization, linear optics cloning machine (LOCM) can be introduced on the receiver side. Implemented by linear optical elements, heterodyne detection and controlled displacement, LOCM introduces extra noise that can be transformed into an advantageous one to combat channel excess noise by dynamically adjusting the relevant parameters into a suitable range. In this paper, the prepare-and-measure version of LOCM DPM-CVQKD is presented, where the incoming signal state enters a tunable LOCM before being measured by the nonideal heterodyne detector. The equivalent entanglement-based model is also established to perform security analysis, where the LOCM is reformulated into combination of the incoming signal state and a thermal state on a beam splitter. The composable secret key rate is derived to investigate the security of LOCM DPM-CVQKD. Simulation results demonstrate that the composable secret key rate and transmission distance are closely related to the tuning gain and the transmittance of LOCM. Once these two parameters are set to appropriate values, LOCM can improve the secret key rate and transmission distance of DPM-CVQKD, as well as its resistance to excess noise. Meanwhile, taking finite-size effect into consideration, the LOCM can also effectively reduce the requirement for the block size of the exchanged signals, which is beneficial to the feasibility and practicability of CVQKD. Owing to the fact that the performance of LOCM DPM-CVQKD is largely reliant on the calibration selection of relevant parameters, further research may concentrate on the optimization of LOCM in experimental implementations, where machine learning related methods may be utilized.
In experimental setups of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) independently modulating the amplitude and phase of coherent states, the ideal Gaussian modulation will be degraded into discretized polar modulation (DPM) due to the finite resolution of the driving voltages of electro-optical modulators. To compensate for the performance degradation induced by the joint effect of amplitude and phase discretization, linear optics cloning machine (LOCM) can be introduced at the receiver side to reduce the impact of channel excess noise. Implemented by linear optical elements, homodyne detection and controlled displacement, LOCM introduces extra noise that can be transformed into an advantageous one to combat channel excess noise by dynamically adjusting the relevant parameters into a suitable range. In this paper, the prepare-and-measure version of LOCM DPM-CVQKD is presented, where the incoming signal state enters a tunable LOCM before being measured by the nonideal heterodyne detector. The equivalent entanglement-based model is also established to perform security analysis, where the LOCM is reformulated into combining the incoming signal state and a thermal state on a beam splitter. The composable secret key rate is derived to investigate the security of LOCM DPM-CVQKD. Simulation results demonstrate that the secret key rate is closely related to the tuning gain and the transmittance of LOCM. Once the two parameters are set to appropriate values, LOCM allows the promotion of the secret key rate of DPM-CVQKD, as well as its resistance to excess noise. Meanwhile, taking finite-size effect into consideration, LOCM can also effectively reduce the requirement for the block size of the exchanged signals, which is beneficial to the feasibility and practicability of CVQKD. Since the performance of LOCM DPM-CVQKD is heavily reliant on the calibrate selection of relevant parameters, further research may concentrate on the optimization of LOCM in experimental implementations, where machine learning related methods may be exploited.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is a promising quantum-safe alternative to classical asymmetric cryptography that enables two authenticated parties to establish a shared secret over a potentially eavesdropped quantum channel. A key step in CV-QKD post-processing is information reconciliation, which leverages forward error correction (FEC) techniques to extract identical bit strings from noisy correlated data. In this work, we analyze the strict limitations on operating distance that are imposed by constant-rate FEC, severely limiting the practicability of CV-QKD systems in deployed optical networks. To overcome the distance limitations, we evaluate three strategies: (i) tuning modulation variance, (ii) adding controlled amounts of trusted detector loss, and (iii) the use of rate-adaptive FEC. All approaches are validated experimentally, compared in terms of performance, and we discuss implementation aspects. Our results show that while methods (i) and (ii) extend the operational distance of constant-rate FEC without the need for additional hardware components, they incur a significant penalty in secret key rate (SKR). In contrast, rate-adaptive FEC enables CV-QKD operation with performance close to the asymptotic SKR over a wide range of distances, provided that the reconciliation efficiency is chosen appropriately.
In this paper, we explore the enhancement of secure transmission distance in continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) under limited eavesdropping conditions by employing a quantum scissor (QS). We derive an analytical expression for the output state and demonstrate that QS significantly extends the secure communication range. Additionally, we analyze the impact of limited eavesdropping on the secret key rate, showing that restricted access to intercepted light improves security compared to an unrestricted eavesdropper scenario. To provide a comprehensive assessment, we investigate both direct and reverse reconciliation schemes. Our numerical simulations and analytical comparisons reveal that QS improves the secure transmission distance in both cases, despite reducing the secret key rate at shorter distances. The results show that QS mitigates the detrimental effects of channel loss, allowing for an extended communication range in CV-QKD systems. These findings highlight the potential of QS as a key tool for enhancing long-distance secure quantum communication in practical scenarios. • Study of secure-distance enhancement in CV-QKD with limited eavesdropping using a QS. • QS improves the maximum secure transmission distance of the CV-QKD protocol. • Key rates under limited eavesdropping are analyzed for both reconciliation types. • Limited eavesdropping yields higher key rates than the fully unrestricted case. • Optimal modulation variance and QS gain that extend protocol range are identified.