Modeling Quantum Optical Components, Pulses and Fiber Channels Using OMNeT++

TL;DR

This paper introduces 'qkdX', a simulation framework built on OMNeT++ for modeling quantum optical components, pulses, and fiber channels, aiding the analysis of QKD systems' performance and security.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel OMNeT++ extension, 'qkdX', for detailed simulation of quantum optical components and channels in QKD systems, enabling better understanding of non-idealities.

Findings

Effective modeling of optical components and channels

Analysis of real and notional QKD systems

Framework supports security and performance evaluation

Abstract

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is an innovative technology which exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure cryptographic keys. While QKD offers the promise of unconditionally secure key distribution, real world systems are built from non-ideal components which necessitates the need to model and understand the impact these non-idealities have on system performance and security. OMNeT++ has been used as a basis to develop a simulation framework to support this endeavor. This framework, referred to as "qkdX" extends OMNeT++'s module and message abstractions to efficiently model optical components, optical pulses, operating protocols and processes. This paper presents the design of this framework including how OMNeT++'s abstractions have been utilized to model quantum optical components, optical pulses, fiber and free space channels. Furthermore, from our toolbox of created components, we present various notional and real QKD systems, which have been studied and analyzed.