Simple protocol for secure decoy-state quantum key distribution with a loosely controlled source

Abstract

The method of decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) requests different intensities of light pulses. Existing theory has assumed exact control of intensities. Here we propose a simple protocol which is secure and efficient even there are errors in intensity control. In our protocol, decoy pulses and signal pulses are generated from the same father pulses with a two-value attenuation. Given the upper bound of fluctuation of the father pulses, our protocol is secure provided that the two-value attenuation is done exactly. We propose to use unbalanced beam-splitters for a stable attenuation. Given that the intensity error is bounded by $\pm 5$, with the same key rate, our method can achieve a secure distance only 1 km shorter than that of an ideal protocol with exactly controlled source.

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• General theory of decoy-state quantum cryptography with source errors
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• Unconditional security of sending or not sending twin-field quantum key distribution with finite pulses
• Secure and efficient decoy-state quantum key distribution with inexact pulse intensities
• Higher key rate of measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution through joint data processing
• General theory for decoy-state quantum key distribution with arbitrary number of intensities
• Decoy State Quantum Key Distribution With Modified Coherent State
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• Decoy State Quantum Key Distribution Using Homodyne Detection
• Optimizing Decoy State Enabled Quantum Key Distribution Systems to Maximize Quantum Throughput and Detect Photon Number Splitting Attacks with High Confidence