Quantum key distribution with the single-photon-added coherent source

Abstract

In this paper, we present schemes on implementing the single-photon-added coherent source in quantum key distributions. We apply this source in either the standard BB84 protocol or the recently proposed measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution, comparing their performance with the cases of using other existing sources, e.g., the weak coherent source or the heralded single-photon source, and giving out corresponding numerical simulations. Our simulation results show that in both protocols the single-photon-added coherent source can greatly exceed all other existing sources. Moreover, even when taking statistical fluctuation into account, a high key generation rate can still be achieved at long distance by applying this source.