Enabling CV-MDI-QKD for low squeezed states using non-Gaussian operations

Abstract: We show the utility of photon added-then-subtracted (PAS) state and two photon replaced (2PR) state when used in continuous variables measurement device independent quantum key distribution (CV-MDI-QKD) protocol. We report that single and two mode PAS state as well as two mode PR state outperform pure state protocol in the low squeezing and high noise regime. Single mode PAS state and two mode PAS state showed significant resilience to excess noise and offered a longer transmission distance when compared to pure and PR state CV-MDI protocol. Additionally we show that states with higher logarithmic negativity are not necessarily the best choice when used in CV-MDI-QKD.