Applying Gaussian quantum discord to quantum key distribution

Abstract

In this paper, we theoretically prove that the Gaussian quantum discord state of optical field can be used to complete continuous variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD). The calculation shows that secret key can be distilled with a Gaussian quantum discord state against entangling cloner attack. Secret key rate is increased with the increasing of quantum discord for CV QKD with the Gaussian quantum discord state. Although the calculated results point out that secret key rate using the Gaussian quantum discord state is lower than that using squeezed state and coherent state at the same energy level, we demonstrate that the Gaussian quantum discord, which only involving quantum correlation without the existence of entanglement, may provide a new resource for realizing CV QKD.