Long-distance continuous-variable quantum key distribution with quantum scissors

Abstract

The use of quantum scissors, as candidates for non-deterministic amplifiers, in continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems is investigated. Such devices rely on single-photon sources for their operation and as such, they do not necessarily preserve the Guassianity of the channel. Using exact analytical modeling for system components, we bound the secret key generation rate for the system that uses quantum scissors. We find that for non-zero values of excess noise such a system can reach longer distances than the system with no amplification. The prospect of using quantum scissors in continuous-variable quantum repeaters is therefore emboldened.