Neural network-based prediction of the secret-key rate of quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper presents a neural network model that rapidly predicts the secure key rate of quantum key distribution protocols, significantly reducing computation time while maintaining high accuracy and security assurance.

Contribution

The authors develop a neural network approach that enables real-time prediction of secure key rates in quantum key distribution, outperforming traditional numerical methods in speed and versatility.

Findings

Neural network predicts key rates with high accuracy

Prediction speed improved by several orders of magnitude

Method applicable to various quantum key distribution protocols

Abstract

Numerical methods are widely used to calculate the secure key rate of many quantum key distribution protocols in practice, but they consume many computing resources and are too time-consuming. In this work, we take the homodyne detection discrete-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) as an example, and construct a neural network that can quickly predict the secure key rate based on the experimental parameters and experimental results. Compared to traditional numerical methods, the speed of the neural network is improved by several orders of magnitude. Importantly, the predicted key rates are not only highly accurate but also highly likely to be secure. This allows the secure key rate of discrete-modulated CV-QKD to be extracted in real time on a low-power platform. Furthermore, our method is versatile and can be extended to quickly calculate the complex secure key rates of various other unstructured quantum key distribution protocols.