Triggering parametric-down conversion-based quantum key distribution via radiation field

Abstract

We discuss the influence of radiation field on the secure key size and the maximum safety distance during QKD by using a set of photons produced via a spontaneous parametric-down conversion (SPDC) photon source. Four implementations that use multiple-photons and decoy states are discussed, these include nondecoy state, infinite active decoy state, passive decoy state with threshold detector and passive decoy state with perfect photon-number resolving detector. Results show that the radiation field significantly improves both the secure key size and the maximum secure communication distance. Therefore, the radiation field is found to be a good candidate to reduce unwanted interactions of photons with the quantum channel and hence, to increase the secure key rate and the maximum safety distance between legitimate users.