Composably secure data processing for Gaussian-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) employs the quadratures of a bosonic mode to establish a secret key between two remote parties, and this is usually achieved via a Gaussian modulation of coherent states. The resulting secret key rate depends not only on the loss and noise in the communication channel, but also on a series of data processing steps that are needed for transforming shared correlations into a final string of secret bits. Here we consider a Gaussian-modulated coherent-state protocol with homodyne detection in the general setting of composable finite-size security. After simulating the process of quantum communication, the output classical data are postprocessed via procedures of parameter estimation, error correction, and privacy amplification. In particular, we analyze the high signal-to-noise regime, which requires the use of high-rate (nonbinary) low-density parity check codes. We implement all these steps in a PYTHON-based library that allows one to investigate and optimize the protocol parameters to be used in practical experimental implementations of short-range CV-QKD.

Automated summary

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution establishes a secret key between two remote parties using Gaussian-modulated coherent states. The secret key rate depends on the loss and noise in the communication channel, as well as the data processing steps of parameter estimation, error correction, and privacy amplification. High signal-to-noise regime requires high-rate low-density parity check codes.