Abstract :
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one of the first successful applications of quantum physics. Commercially available systems provide a completely secure method for two distant parties to share a secret key over an optical channel. New continuous variable (CV) QKD allows the expensive single photon detectors of discrete variable QKD to be replaced with detectors widely used in standard optical communications, significantly reducing their cost. However, high noise levels have limited the transmission distance of CV QKD technologies. Incorporating state-of-the art error correction codes in the reconciliation step of CV QKD, to correct key errors close to theoretical limits, will minimise the information exposed to a potential attacker and achieve higher key generation rates and longer transmission distances. This presentation will outline a joint project with quantum security systems company, QuintessenceLabs, focussed on the search for error correction codes suitable for continuous variable QKD systems. This presentation will discuss a variety of error correction technologies, from standard LDPC codes to spatially coupled and multi-edge error correcting codes, considered for QKD systems.
Keywords :
error correction codes; optical communication; parity check codes; quantum cryptography; LDPC; continuous variable QKD; error correction code; low density parity check code; multiedge error correcting code; quantum key distribution; single photon detector; spatially coupled error correcting code; standard optical communication;
