Homodyne Detection Quadrature Phase Shift Keying Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution with High Excess Noise Tolerance

Abstract

Discrete-modulated continuous-variable quantum key distribution with homodyne detection is widely known for the simple implementation, efficient error correcting codes and the compatibility with modern optical communication devices, in which the quaternary modulation offers remarkable performance. However, quaternary modulation reduces the tolerance of excess noise and leads to insufficient transmission distance, hence seriously restricting the large-scale deployment of quantum secure communication networks. Here, we propose a homodyne detection protocol using the technology of quadrature phase shift keying. By cutting down information leakage, our protocol pulls excess noise tolerance back to a high level. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the superiority of heterodyne detection in excess noise tolerance is due to the less information leakage rather than the ability of measuring both quadratures simultaneously. The security is analyzed by tight numerical method against collective attacks in the asymptotic regime. Results show the improvement of excess noise tolerance, which implies the ability to distribute keys in near intercity area. This progress will make our protocol the main force in constructing low-cost quantum secure communication networks.