Security Analysis of Imperfect Gaussian Modulation Caused by Amplitude Modulator in Continuous–Variable Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV–QKD) is a system that provides secret keys for symmetric key systems. In the application of CV–QKD, the practical security of the system is crucial. In this article, we investigate the practical security issues caused by non–ideal Gaussian modulation, which is caused by fitting defects of the amplitude modulator’s (AM) modulation curve. We provide the effect of fitting error on parameter estimation. We also give the relationship between the fitting order and the secret key rate. The simulation results indicate that the system is completely unable to communicate during first–order fitting. During second–order fitting, the system’s performance decreases by more than half. During third–order fitting, the system’s performance will be consistent with the ideal. Therefore, to ensure the performance of the CV–QKD system, the fitting order must be at least three or higher.

Keywords

• continuous–variable quantum key distribution
• non–ideal Gaussian modulation
• parameter estimation
• secret key rate