Improving Source-in-the-Middle continuous-variable quantum key distribution using a heralded hybrid linear amplifier

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, a linear hybrid amplifier is inserted at the output of the source-in-the-middle distribution protocol to overcome the shortcoming of the transmission distance. The modified protocol can maintain a high key rate for long-distance transmission under high noise. It has the potential to significantly broaden the application range of continuous variable quantum key distribution protocol. The effect of amplifier parameters and noise on the modified protocol are analyzed in detail for the sake of applying it to a practical system. To make the simulation more realistic, the effect of finite-size on the new protocol is taken into account. It will serve as a guideline for the future use of hybrid linear amplifiers. Different parameters can be adjusted to achieve the best performance for key rates of different quantum channels.