Continuous-Variable Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution with One-Time Shot-Noise Unit CalibrationSupported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 61531003 and 62001044), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China.

Abstract

Imperfections in practical detectors, including limited detection efficiency, and inherent electronic noise, can seriously decrease the transmission distance of continuous-variable measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution systems. Owing to the difficulties inherent in realizing a high-efficiency fiber homodyne detector, challenges still exist in continuous-variable measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution system implementation. We offer an alternative approach in an attempt to solve these difficulties and improve the potential for system implementation. Here, a novel practical detector modeling method is utilized, which is combined with a one-time shot-noise-unit calibration method for the purpose of system realization. The new modeling method benefits greatly from taking advantage of one-time shot-noise-unit calibration methods, such as measuring electronic noise and shot noise directly to a novel shot-noise unit, so as to eliminate the statistical fluctuations found in previous methods; this makes the implementation of such systems simpler, and the calibration progress more accurate. We provide a simulation of the secret key rate versus distance with different parameters. In addition, the minimal detection efficiency required at each distance, as well as the contrast between the two methods, are also shown, so as to provide a reference in terms of system realization.