Beyond the Limits of Shannon’s Information in Quantum Key Distribution

We present a new post-processing method for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) that raises cubically the secret key rate in the number of double matching detection events. In Shannon’s communication model, information is prepared at Alice’s side, and it is then intended to pass it over a noisy channel....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Luis Adrián Lizama-Pérez, J. Mauricio López R., Emmanuel H. Samperio
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-02-01
Series:Entropy
Subjects:
QKD
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1099-4300/23/2/229
Description
Summary:We present a new post-processing method for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) that raises cubically the secret key rate in the number of double matching detection events. In Shannon’s communication model, information is prepared at Alice’s side, and it is then intended to pass it over a noisy channel. In our approach, secret bits do not rely in Alice’s transmitted quantum bits but in Bob’s basis measurement choices. Therefore, measured bits are publicly revealed, while bases selections remain secret. Our method implements sifting, reconciliation, and amplification in a unique process, and it just requires a round iteration; no redundancy bits are sent, and there is no limit in the correctable error percentage. Moreover, this method can be implemented as a post-processing software into QKD technologies already in use.
ISSN:1099-4300