Empirical Analysis of Optical Attenuator Performance in Quantum Key Distribution Systems Using a Particle Model

摘要

Quantum key distribution networks currently represent an active area of development and software modeling to address the security of future communications. One of the components used in quantum key distribution implementations is an optical attenuator. Its role in the system is necessary to reach the single photon per bit necessary to maintain theoretically perfect secrecy. How the photon pulse is modeled has a significant impact on the accuracy and performance of quantum channel components like the optical attenuator. Classical physics describe light using Maxwell's wave equations for electromagnetism. Quantum physics has demonstrated light also behaves as discrete particles referred to as photons. This paper looks at characterizing the accuracy of a software model of an optical attenuator as might be used in a quantum key distribution system using a particle-only model of the photon pulse.