Quantum key distribution (QKD) has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its ability to provide unconditional security for conventional communication systems. In the present work, QKD over free space optical system (QKD-FSO) model has been analyzed considering BB84 protocol. The performance of the system has been evaluated in terms of quantum bit error rate (QBER) and key rate with respect to transmission range and propagation loss respectively considering the effect of Eve and quantum efficiency. QBER of received signal has been analyzed considering positive intrinsic negative (PIN), Avalanche photodiode (APD) and single photon detector (SPD) photodiodes. Higher transmission range of the order of 1000 m has been achieved using SPD as compared to other photodetectors. Lower QBER values have been observed with increase in DCR from 150 to 250 Hz as function of dead time in case of SPD photo detector.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) has attracted significant attention in recent years due to its ability to provide unconditional security for conventional communication systems. In the present work, QKD over free space optical system (QKD-FSO) model has been analyzed considering BB84 protocol. The performance of the system has been evaluated in terms of quantum bit error rate (QBER) and key rate with respect to transmission range and propagation loss respectively considering the effect of Eve and quantum efficiency. QBER of received signal has been analyzed considering positive intrinsic negative (PIN), Avalanche photodiode (APD) and single photon detector (SPD) photodiodes. Higher transmission range of the order of 1000 m has been achieved using SPD as compared to other photodetectors. Lower QBER values have been observed with increase in DCR from 150 to 250 Hz as function of dead time in case of SPD photo detector.
This paper proposes a novel free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) system using subcarrier intensity-modulation (SIM) binary phase-shift-keying (BPSK) and dual-threshold/direct-detection (DT/DD) receiver with an avalanche photodiode (APD). The proposed system enables the adoption of well-developed analytical models in conventional free-space optical (FSO) communications and achieves the QKD function with a simple configuration. We analytically investigate the design criteria for transmitter and receiver, in particular, the modulation depth and the setting for dual-threshold in the context of security requirement of QKD systems. The quantum bit error rate (QBER) and the ergodic secret-key rate of the proposed system are analytically derived in closed-form expressions, considering the channel loss, atmospheric turbulence modeled by the log-normal distribution, and receiver noises. Monte-Carlo (M-C) simulations are also implemented to validate the analytical results, and numerical results confirm the feasibility of the proposed system.
Abstract In this paper, we analyze the performance of free-space optical quantum key distribution (FSO-QKD) using the BB84 protocol with BPSK modulation under realistic channel conditions. The Málaga distribution is employed to model the composite atmospheric turbulence, considering pointing errors. We derive closed-form expressions for the average quantum bit error rate (QBER) and the secure key rate (SKR), incorporating both turbulence and misalignment effects. Numerical results demonstrate the impact of turbulence parameters and beam misalignment on system performance. The findings provide insights for the robust design of FSO-QKD systems under practical deployment conditions.
We devoted to analyzing information transfer in quantum channels in terms of the performance of quantum key distribution (QKD) free-space optical (FSO) communication systems through Bennett and Brassard 84 (BB84) protocol by taking into account the combined effect of attenuation, turbulence, pointing error, and angle of arrival (AOA) fluctuations. Path loss is modeled by Beer-Lambert law, and the turbulent channel is assumed to be Fisher-Snedecor F distributed. The pointing error and AOA fluctuations are modeled by Hoyt and Rayleigh distributions, respectively. The error and sift probabilities, quantum bit error rate, and secret key rate of a QKD FSO system are obtained in analytical form, and results are presented depending on various parameters. It is shown that increased beam waist, beam deviation, AOA fluctuations, and propagation distance cause performance degradation and less secure information transmission. However, an increase in the ratio of horizontal and vertical beam misalignments, field of view, average photon number per pulse, visibility of the atmospheric environment, and optical beam wavelength impact the performance of QKD FSO systems positively. The effect of the turbulence structure constant is observed to be modest on the performance of the QKD FSO system.
Nowadays, a high level of security is required for the transmission of critical information. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems are considered the best option to protect such information. Many studies have shown the efficiency of the QKD optical fiber inspired by M-ary pulse position modulation (MPPM). Free-Space Optical (FSO) links provide an efficient and effective data transmission system. However, cumulative effects of laser beam divergence, misalignment, and turbulence-induced fading on the received irradiance in the FSO link might allow an external eavesdropper located near the authorized receiver to break the transmission under certain conditions. This paper introduces the development of an FSO system based on the MPPM and the BB84 protocol (MPPM-BB84) over the Gamma-Gamma (GG) turbulence channel with pointing errors. Time Binning is implemented using MPPM to increase system security and reduce the quantum bit error rate (QBER). The system security is investigated under photon number splitting attack and excess noise. Closed-form expressions for asymptotic expressions of the average symbol error probability (SER), raw key rate (RKR), and secret key rate (SKR) are introduced. Moreover, the Monte-Carlo simulations are then used to prove the validity of the analytical results. The optimal values for the average photon number per pulse (to achieve the maximum RKR and SKR) for each symbol length can guarantee the stability of the FSO system under different weather conditions. Smaller symbol lengths are more tolerant of detector loss. The proposed system supports linking distances from 1 km to 3 km while keeping the SKR almost constant.
Recently, there has been growing research interest in quantum technology in general and particularly in quantum key distribution (QKD) that enables two legitimate parties to share a secret key without leaking information to third parties. Practical implementation of QKD has shown limited key rates due to the practical limits of quantum sources and detectors. For example, after each detection event, practical single-photon detectors such as single-photon avalanche diodes (SPADs) undergo a period of inactivity called dead time, which limits the highest photon transmission rate achievable for QKD systems as photon transmission at sub-dead-time regime can generate security loopholes. In this paper, we analyze the performance of a sifting scheme that allows for high-speed operation at sub-dead-time regime both theoretically and numerically. We consider an FSO QKD system, where the effect of background noise can be significant and derive the expressions of sifting probability and sifted bit rate considering both dead time and background noise effects. We present a comprehensive performance analysis of the QKD system in terms of quantum bit error rate (QBER) and secrecy key rate (SKR) and show that operation at sub-dead-time regime can significantly improve the achievable SKR for FSO systems with certain path loss and background noise levels.
Abstract With increasing demands for secure high-speed wireless communications, integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) into light fidelity (LiFi) systems is a promising method for boosting data confidentiality in optical wireless networks. The BB84 protocol and Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) are utilized with a pump-assisted continuous wave laser at 1,550 nm and polarization control components to encode quantum states onto photons. They are transmitted on free space optical (FSO) links with a length ranging from 2 km to 8 km and received using Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) and optical filters. Performance analysis conducted using bit error rate (BER) and Q-factor analysis. BER maintained at zero across all tested configuration and transmission distance up to 8 km indicating excellent signal integrity and security. A highest Q-factor achieved a maximum of 3,055.9, which ensures signal integrity and low interference noise. The system operates at a simulated data rate of 10 Gbps, suitable for high speed optical wireless communication. Consistently high eye height (∼172,210 units) and stable decision thresholds confirm minimal inter-symbol interference and accurate symbol recognition. And the Poincaré sphere showed even polarization stability for different optical power levels. This work presents a simulation-based implementation of a polarization encoded QKD system over a LiFi-enabled FSO communication channel, aiming to enhance secure optical wireless communication. Calculated based on quantum bit error rate (QBER) and included in the theoretical analysis to demonstrate practical secure throughput.