High-fidelity continuous-variable quantum key distribution via the proper combination of zero-photon catalysis and quantum scissors

Abstract

In this paper, we examine how the combination of zero-photon catalysis (ZPC) and a quantum scissors (QS) intensifies the range and the fidelity of a continuous-variable quantum key distribution CV-QKD protocol. Using a non-Gaussian calculation, we realized that the QS significantly boosts the range of the protocol and enhances its fidelity at long distances. At negligible values of excess noise, ZPC operation leads to incredibly high fidelity values, even at large distances. In this case, an optimal strength of the ZPC operation exists that maximizes the secure distance of the protocol. Finally, our study of a system with a nonzero value of excess noise reveals that the fidelity generally increases with ZPC, as opposed to the range, which decreases with this Gaussian operation.