Symmetry-based estimation of lower bound on secure key rate of noisy private states

Abstract

Quantum private states are the states that represent some amount of perfect secure key. A simple symmetry of any generalised private quantum state (ie. the states that represent perfect key but not fully random) is provided and extended on Devetak-Winter so called ccq (classical-classical-quantum) and cqq (classical-quantum-quantum) lower bound on secure key. This symmetry is used to develop a practical method of estimating the Alice measurement that is optimal form the perspective of single shot Devetak-Witner lower bound on secure key. The method is particularly good when the noise does not break the symmetry of the state with respect to the lower bound formula. It suggest a general paradigm for quick estimation of quantum communication rates under the symmetry of a given resource like state and/or channel.