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Impact of Shot Noise Estimation on the Secret Key Rate of a CV-QKD System

Daniel Pereira, Nuno A. Silva, Armando N. Pinto

Published May 23, 2022• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

In this work we present the impact of the uncertainty of the shot noise estimate on the performance of a continuous variables quantum key distribution system using a probabilistically shaped 128-APSK constellation. We demonstrate that the performance of the system is greatly degraded by the uncertainty of the shot noise estimate, with a total loss of security being possible.

DOI
10.5753/wquantum.2022.223559

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In this work we present the impact of the uncertainty of the shot noise estimate on the performance of a continuous variables quantum key distribution system using a probabilistically shaped 128-APSK constellation. We demonstrate that the performance of the system is greatly degraded by the uncertainty of the shot noise estimate, with a total loss of security being possible.
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Abstract Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) provides a theoretical unconditionally secure solution to distribute symmetric keys among users in a communication network. However, the practical devices used to implement these systems are intrinsically imperfect, and, as a result, open the door to eavesdropper attacks. In this work, we study the impact of transmitter stage imperfections on the performance and security of a Discrete Modulated (DM) CV-QKD system using M-symbol Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (M-QAM) and Amplitude and Phase Shift Keying (M-APSK) coupled with Probabilistic Constellation Shaping (PCS). Assuming two different modulation stage topologies, we first deform the constellations and then evaluate the secure key rate achievable with the deformed constellation. The presented results show that, due to the erroneously estimated channel parameters, non-monitored imbalances greatly reduce the system's performance, with situations where Bob and Alice estimate that no secure bits can be obtained while the real value of the key rate is still positive. Our results show the importance of monitoring these constellation imbalances and show that the optimal constellation may vary depending on the degree of device imperfection.
Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) allows the distribution of symmetric keys in a secure manner. CV-QKD systems can extract keys at its maximum rate when using Gaussian modulation (GM). Nonetheless, GM demands high-capacity random number sources and tends to be very hard to approach in practice. To circumvent these disadvantages, higher-order probabilistic -shaped discrete modulation (DM) can be used. State-of-the-art works compute the key rates of DM-CV-QKD systems considering a fixed value for the reconciliation efficiency and do not take into account the frame error rate (FER) of the system, thus over or under estimating the key rates. In this work, we study the security bounds of CV-QKD systems considering probabilistic shaped DM formats with 256-symbols in the finite-size regime. This accounting for the true value of the reconciliation efficiency, and the FER of the information reconciliation step. Both conventional and hexagonal 256-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) constellations yield higher key rates than 256-amplitude and phase shift keying (APSK) constellations, with 256-QAM constellations being indistinguishable in performance with GM for high transmission distances. Minimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values were fixed from a FER analysis through a CV-QKD simulation allowing for key extraction considering different FER levels. Lower FER values are associated with higher SNRs in the system and thus lower achievable transmission distances. Nonetheless, the FER maximizing the extraction key rate is not null. Our results show that the extraction key rate is maximized by SNR adjustment which should have in account both the reconciliation efficiency and the FER.
Continuous variable-quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) based on coherent detection has potential to be a cost-effective solution to deploy secure keys over optical networks. This is due to its compatibility with mature optical communication technologies, such as homodyne and heterodyne detection schemes. Nevertheless, realistic implementations of CV-QKD systems suffer from imperfections in the practical devices used to generate and detect the coherent states. Those imperfections deteriorate the performance of the CV-QKD system and can be exploited by an eavesdropper to steal key information without being detected. In this work, we discuss the impact of practical device imperfections on the excess noise of the CV-QKD and on the achievable transmission distance. We also analyze the impact of detection imperfections on the measurement of the shot noise, and its impact on CV-QKD system security.
Abstract Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) provides a theoretical unconditionally secure solution to distribute symmetric keys among users in a communication network. However, the practical devices used to implement these systems are intrinsically imperfect, and, as a result, open the door to eavesdropper attacks. In this work, we show the impact of receiver device imperfections on the estimated channel parameters, performance and security of a CV-QKD system. The presented results show that, due to the erroneously estimated channel parameters, non-monitored imbalances can pose a security risk or even reduce the system’s performance. Our results show the importance of monitoring these imbalances and hint at the possibility of compensating for some receiver imbalances by tuning other components.
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cutting-edge communication method that enables secure communication between two parties. Continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) is a promising approach to QKD that has several advantages over traditional discrete-variable systems. Despite its potential, CV-QKD systems are highly sensitive to optical and electronic component impairments, which can significantly reduce the secret key rate. In this research, we address this challenge by modeling a CV-QKD system to simulate the impact of individual impairments on the secret key rate. The results show that laser frequency drifts and small imperfections in electro-optical devices such as the beam splitter and the balanced detector have a negative impact on the secret key rate. This provides valuable insights into strategies for optimizing the performance of CV-QKD systems and overcome limitations caused by component impairments. By offering a method to analyze them, the study enables the establishment of quality standards for the components of CV-QKD systems, driving the development of advanced technologies for secure communication in the future.