Continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocols with a non-Gaussian modulation

TL;DR

This paper introduces continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocols utilizing non-Gaussian modulations, enhancing security and range, and demonstrating unconditional security with decoy states against collective attacks.

Contribution

It presents novel non-Gaussian modulation schemes for CV-QKD that are compatible with efficient error correction and secure against general attacks using decoy states.

Findings

Protocols outperform previous ones in achievable range

Secure against Gaussian and collective attacks

Unconditional security established with decoy states

Abstract

In this paper, we consider continuous-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols which use non-Gaussian modulations. These specific modulation schemes are compatible with very efficient error correction procedures, hence allowing the protocols to outperform previous protocols in terms of achievable range. In their simplest implementation, these protocols are secure for any linear quantum channels (hence against Gaussian attacks). We also show how the use of decoy states makes the protocols secure against arbitrary collective attacks, which implies their unconditional security in the asymptotic limit.