Physical Review A

Key-sifting algorithms for continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Di Jin, Ying Guo, Yijun Wang, Yin Li, Duan Huang

Published Jul 27, 2021• 10 citations

Abstract

We propose key-sifting algorithms for a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) protocol using a machine-learning framework based on the isolation forest and a traditional digital signal-processing scheme based on the Wiener filter. In previous works, the key-sifting procedure performs by discarding bits on different measurement basis, but a few useless portions are still retained, so that the transmission distance of CV-QKD systems is limited by excess noise. Here, we develop sifting schemes based on anomaly detection, which provide better feasibility in noisy environments. We compare the detection results for both approaches and estimate the excess noise to confirm the utility of our proposal in real-life applications. Results obtained over a 100-km fiber link indicate that the key-sifting algorithms can ensure low excess noise. Moreover, some of the techniques we develop are applicable to other QKD protocols.

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.104.012616

Related papers

A Survey of Machine Learning Assisted Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution

Nathan K. Long, Robert Malaney, Kenneth J. Grant

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) shows potential for the rapid development of an information-theoretic secure global communication network; however, the complexities of CV-QKD implementation remain a restrictive factor. Machine learning (ML) has recently shown promise in alleviating these complexities. ML has been applied to almost every stage of CV-QKD protocols, including ML-assisted phase error estimation, excess noise estimation, state discrimination, parameter estimation and optimization, key sifting, information reconciliation, and key rate estimation. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on ML-assisted CV-QKD. In addition, the survey compares the ML algorithms assisting CV-QKD with the traditional algorithms they aim to augment, as well as providing recommendations for future directions for ML-assisted CV-QKD research.

InformationOct 10, 202320 citations

Long-Distance Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with Entangled States

Ning Wang, Shanna Du, Wenyuan Liu +3 more

Secure communication protocols based on quantum physics compel worldwide attention. Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) uses a cost-effective detection technique instead of dedicated single-photon-counting technology, and can provide high key rates over metropolitan distances. Traditional coherent-state CV-QKD protocols, however, suffer from low tolerance of channel excess noise. The authors succeed in distributing Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entangled states over a 50-km standard fiber with negligible excess noise, and further demonstrate CV-QKD in a high-noise environment with performance superior to that of the optimized coherent-state protocol.

Physical Review AppliedDec 12, 201856 citations

Machine learning aided carrier recovery in continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Hou-Man Chin, Nitin Jain, Darko Zibar +2 more

Abstract The secret key rate of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system is limited by excess noise. A key issue typical to all modern CV-QKD systems implemented with a reference or pilot signal and an independent local oscillator is controlling the excess noise generated from the frequency and phase noise accrued by the transmitter and receiver. Therefore accurate phase estimation and compensation, so-called carrier recovery, is a critical subsystem of CV-QKD. Here, we explore the implementation of a machine learning framework based on Bayesian inference, namely an unscented Kalman filter (UKF), for estimation of phase noise and compare it to a standard reference method and a previously demonstrated machine learning method. Experimental results obtained over a 20-km fibre-optic link indicate that the UKF can ensure very low excess noise even at low pilot powers. The measurements exhibited low variance and high stability in excess noise over a wide range of pilot signal to noise ratios. This may enable CV-QKD systems with low hardware implementation complexity which can seamlessly work on diverse transmission lines.

arXiv:2002.09321npj Quantum InformationFeb 4, 202186 citations

Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with a Real Local Oscillator and without Auxiliary Signals

Sebastian Kleis, Max Rückmann, Christian G. Schaeffer (17510175)

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is realized with coherent detection and is therefore very suitable for a cost-efficient implementation. The major challenge in CV-QKD is mitigation of laser phase noise at a signal to noise ratio of much less than 0 dB. So far, this has been achieved with a remote local oscillator or with auxiliary signals. For the first time, we experimentally demonstrate that CV-QKD can be performed with a real local oscillator and without auxiliary signals which is achieved by applying Machine Learning methods. It is shown that, with the most established discrete modulation protocol, the experimental system works down to a quantum channel signal to noise ratio of -19.1 dB. The performance of the experimental system allows CV-QKD at a key rate of 9.2 Mbit/s over a fiber distance of 26 km. After remote local oscillator and auxiliary signal aided CV-QKD, this could mark a starting point for a third generation of CV-QKD systems that are even more attractive for a wide implementation because they are almost identical to standard coherent systems.

arXiv:1908.03625Nov 30, 20232 citations

Phase Noise Reduction in Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution Using Digital Filtering

Samael Sarmiento, E. Llanos, Pol Adillon +3 more

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables information-theoretic-secure secret key exchange thanks to the laws of quantum mechanics. Since it can easily be incorporated into existing telecom networks, continuous-variable QKD (CV QKD) using coherent states and coherent detection has recently emerged as a promising candidate. However, the secret key rate and link distance in CV QKD systems are still limited by the imperfections of used components. In this work, through simulations, we study the use of different digital filtering techniques for optical phase recovery, aided by pilot symbols, to mitigate the phase noise induced by the coherent mixing of two free-running lasers in a CV QKD system. Moving average, Butterworth and unscented Kalman filters are evaluated for different phase drift conditions. Results show that phase recovery from small amplitude pilot symbols, along with further digital filtering, can considerably reduce phase noise and measurement error, while increasing the secret key rate and link distance of the CV QKD system.

International Conference on Transparent Optical NetworksJul 14, 20242 citations

Long distance local local oscillator continuous variable quantum key distribution with digital signal processing

Dengke Qi, Xiangyu Wang, Jiayu Ma +4 more

Quantum key distribution relying on the principles of quantum mechanics enables two parties to produce a shared random secret key, thereby ensuring the security of data transmission. Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is widely applied because it can be well combined with standard telecommunication technology. Compared to CV-QKD with a transmitting local oscillator, the proposal of CV-QKD with a local local oscillator overcomes the limitation that local oscillator will attenuate as transmission distance increases, providing new possibilities in long-distance transmission. However, challenges still persist in practical long-distance transmission, including data sampling and recovery under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions. In order to better recover data and reduce the additional excess noise, we propose the least squares fitting algorithm to get more accurate sampling data and complete more accurate phase compensation.Herein, we demonstrate the long-distance local local oscillator CV-QKD experiment which have considered the effect of finite-size block over 120 km of standard optical fiber with high efficient real-time post-processing. The results not only verify the good performance of the system over long distance, but also paves the way for large-scale quantum secure communications in the future.

arXiv:2503.02392Mar 4, 20254 citations