We address a continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) protocol employing quaternary phase-shift-keying (QPSK) of coherent states and a non-Gaussian measurement inspired by quantum receivers minimizing the error probability in a quantum-state-discrimination scenario. We consider a pure-loss quantum wiretap channel, in which a possible eavesdropper is limited to collect the sole channel losses. We perform a characterization of state-discrimination receivers and design an optimized receiver maximizing the asymptotic secure key rate (SKR), namely the key-rate optimized receiver (KOR), comparing its performance with respect to the pretty good measurement (PGM) and the heterodyne-based protocol. We show that the KOR increases the SKR for metropolitan-network distances. Finally, we also investigate the implementations of feasible schemes, such as the displacement feed-forward receiver, obtaining an increase in the SKR in particular regimes.
@article{arxiv.2306.11493,
title = {Optimizing state-discrimination receivers for continuous-variable quantum key distribution over a wiretap channel},
author = {Michele N. Notarnicola and Marcin Jarzyna and Stefano Olivares and Konrad Banaszek},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2306.11493},
year = {2023}
}