Source monitoring for continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Abstract

The noise in optical source needs to be characterized for the security of continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD). Two feasible schemes, based on either active optical switch or passive beamsplitter are proposed to monitor the variance of source noise, through which, Eve's knowledge can be properly estimated. We derive the security bounds for both schemes against collective attacks in the asymptotic case, and find that the passive scheme performs better.