Multi-matrix rate-compatible reconciliation for quantum key distribution

Abstract: Key reconciliation of quantum key distribution (QKD) is the process of correcting errors caused by channel noise and eavesdropper to identify the keys of two legitimate users. Reconciliation efficiency is the most important figure for judging the quality of a reconciliation scheme. To improve reconciliation efficiency, rate-compatible technologies was proposed for key reconciliation, which is denoted as the single-matrix ratecompatible reconciliation (SRCR). In this paper, a recently suggested technique called multi-matrix reconciliation is introduced into SRCR, which is referred to as the multi-matrix rate-compatible reconciliation (MRCR), to further improve reconciliation efficiency and promote the throughput of SRCR. Simulation results show that MRCR we proposed outperforms SRCR in reconciliation efficiency and throughput.