Continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocols with eight-state discrete modulation

Abstract

We propose a continuous variable quantum key distribution protocol based on discrete modulation of eight-state coherent states. We present a rigorous security proof against the collective attacks by taking into consideration the realistic lossy and noisy quantum channel, the imperfect detector efficiency, and the detector electronic noise. This protocol shows high tolerance against excess noise and promises to achieve over 100 km distance of optical fiber. © 2012 World Scientific Publishing Company.