Quantum key distribution with "dual detectors"

Abstract

To improve the performance of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system, high speed, low dark count single photon detectors (or low noise homodyne detectors) are required. However, in practice, a fast detector is usually noisy. Here, we propose a "dual detectors" method to improve the performance of a practical QKD system with realistic detectors: the legitimate receiver randomly uses either a fast (but noisy) detector or a quiet (but slow) detector to measure the incoming quantum signals. The measurement results from the quiet detector can be used to bound eavesdropper's information, while the measurement results from the fast detector are used to generate secure key. We apply this idea to various QKD protocols. Simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in both BB84 protocol with ideal single photon source and Gaussian-modulated coherent states (GMCS) protocol; while for decoy-state BB84 protocol with weak coherent source, the improvement is moderate. We also discuss various practical issues in implementing the "dual detectors" scheme.

22 pages, 9 figures

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Cited by in corpus (8)

• The Security of Practical Quantum Key Distribution
• Experimental study on Gaussian-modulated coherent states quantum key distribution over standard telecom fiber
• Laser damage helps the eavesdropper in quantum cryptography
• Discrimination of binary coherent states using a homodyne detector and a photon number resolving detector
• Practical decoy-state measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution
• Partially random phase attack to the practical two-way quantum-key-distribution system
• Quantum key distribution with finite resources: Taking advantage of quantum noise
• Quantum cryptography: theory and practice