A Modeling Framework for Studying Quantum Key Distribution System Implementation Nonidealities

IEEE Access

Jennifer A. Holes¹  Logan O. Mailloux¹  Michael R. Grimaila¹  David R. Jacques¹  John M. Colombi¹  Douglas D. Hodson¹  Jeffrey D. Morris²  Colin V. Mclaughlin³ 

[1] Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA;Army Cyber Institute, West Point, NY, USA;Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, USA;

关键词: Quantum Key Distribution;    Modeling &;    Simulation;    System Performance;    System Security;   

DOI  :  10.1109/ACCESS.2015.2399101

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an innovative technology that exploits the laws of quantum mechanics to generate and distribute unconditionally secure shared key for use in cryptographic applications. However, QKD is a relatively nascent technology where real-world system implementations differ significantly from their ideal theoretical representations. In this paper, we introduce a modeling framework built upon the OMNeT++ discrete event simulation framework to study the impact of implementation nonidealities on QKD system performance and security. Specifically, we demonstrate the capability to study the device imperfections and practical engineering limitations through the modeling and simulation of a polarization-based, prepare and measure BB84 QKD reference architecture. The reference architecture allows users to model and study complex interactions between physical phenomenon and system-level behaviors representative of real-world design and implementation tradeoffs. Our results demonstrate the flexibility of the framework to simulate and evaluate current, future, and notional QKD protocols and components.

【 授权许可】

Unknown