Continuous-variable quantum key distribution with noisy squeezed states (2404.05247v2)

Abstract: We address the role of noisy squeezing in security and performance of continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. Squeezing has long been recognized for its numerous advantages in CV QKD, such as enhanced robustness against channel noise and loss, and improved secret key rates. However, the noise of the squeezed states, that unavoidably originates already from optical loss in the source, raises concerns about its potential exploitation by an eavesdropper. This is particularly relevant if this noise is pessimistically assumed untrusted. We address the allocation of untrusted noise within a squeezed state and show that anti-squeezing noise is typically more harmful for security of the protocols, as it potentially provides more information to an eavesdropper. Although the anti-squeezing noise may not directly contribute to the generated key data, it is involved in parameter estimation and can in fact be harmful even if considered trusted. Our study covers the effects of anti-squeezing noise in both the asymptotic and finite-size regimes. We highlight the positive effects and limitations of imposing trust assumption on anti-squeezing noise. Additionally, we emphasize the detrimental impact of untrusted noise in both fiber and free-space fading links. Our findings offer essential insights for practical implementations and optimization of squeezed-state CV QKD protocols in realistic scenarios.