Security analysis of the decoy method with the Bennett–Brassard 1984 protocol for finite key lengths

Abstract

This paper provides a formula for the sacrifice bit-length for privacy amplification with the Bennett–Brassard 1984 protocol for finite key lengths, when we employ the decoy method. Using the formula, we can guarantee the security parameter for a realizable quantum key distribution system. The key generation rates with finite key lengths are numerically evaluated. The proposed method improves the existing key generation rate even in the asymptotic setting.

Keywords

• decoy method
• finite-key length
• BB84 protocol
• failure probability of phase error correction
• interval estimation
• per cent point