Continuous Variables for Quantum Key Distribution and Quantum Random Number Generators

Dear Colleagues,

The secure transmission of critical data is a key ingredient of society and justifies efforts in its efficient development. Among the different possibilities, quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the exchange of secret keys with information-theoretic security and, combined with symmetric cryptography, provides a way of transferring information with unconditional security. While the most consolidated QKD systems use discrete variables (DVs), such as the polarization or temporal modes of a single photon, the interest in reaching high speed and ensuring compatibility with the already established telecom industry and fiber network is pushing the research towards continuous variables (CVs).

The focus of this Special Issue is on the use of continuous variables for quantum key distribution and quantum random number generators (QRNGs). These primitives can take advantage of the high-bandwidth modulation and coherent detection systems led by the telecom industry in order to build high-speed CV-QKDs and CV-QRNGs. This is accompanied by an equally important theoretical effort for studying different aspects of the problem, such as the security of discrete modulation systems or the incorporation of some aspects of the implementation into the security proof. Both theoretical and experimental results are welcome in this Special Issue, with the aim of giving the broadest possible overview of this research field.

Dr. Matteo Schiavon
Dr. Marco Avesani
Dr. Cosmo Lupo
Guest Editors

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• continuous variables (CVs)
• quantum key distribution (QKD)
• quantum random number generator (QRNG)
• measurement-device-independent QKD (MDI-QKD)
• quantum cryptography
• coherent detection
• free-space and satellite CV-QKD
• integrated photonics