Finite Key Underwater Quantum Key Distribution: Performance Analysis and Improvements

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows for the establishment of a secret key between two parties, secure against computationally unbounded adversaries. Most experimental and theoretical research in this area, investigates the performance of QKD over fiber or free space channels. A growing body of work, however, has begun to investigate its performance in underwater scenarios. Here, we consider the realistic finite key scenario, and evaluate the simulated performance of two different decoy state protocols. We show that there are certain underwater channels where "simpler" QKD protocols outperform more complex ones. Finally, we also investigate methods to improve QKD performance underwater, specifically looking at classical advantage distillation, which we show can greatly improve the maximal distance supported by QKD underwater.