Performance of ½-rate convolutional code on Winnow protocol for quantum key reconciliation

Abstract

The quantum key reconciliation is an essential step of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems for correcting error in the raw keys which happens after the transmission over a quantum channel, where two legitimate parties make their correlated bits identical by exchanging messages over the public channel. This paper presents an alternative method for error correction of quantum key reconciliation by using ½-rate convolutional code, a class of forward error correcting (FEC) on Winnow for discrete-variable QKD protocol. The convolutional code can be applied to source coding with a side information problem which uses to describe quantum key reconciliation process. In the proposed scheme, it focuses on the performance evaluation of ½-rate convolutional code in quantum key reconciliation. In order to reduce an amount of interactive communication via error-free public channel for high-speed QKD applications, this proposed method is that the suitable solution.