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Optimizing Epsilon Security Parameters in QKD

Alexander G. Mountogiannakis, Stefano Pirandola

TL;DR

This work uses a continuous genetic algorithm to optimize epsilon-security parameters in both CV-QKD and DV-QKD under a fixed composable security level. By focusing on $\varepsilon_{PE}$ and $\varepsilon_{cor}$ (with $\varepsilon_{sec}$ derived from a constraint), the study demonstrates substantial key-rate gains at high security demands, with optimized parameters yielding near-equal $\varepsilon_{PE}$ and $\varepsilon_{sec}$ and a consistently smaller $\varepsilon_{cor}$. The results show positive rates in regimes where standard or random parameter choices fail, highlighting a practical route to higher secure-key throughput in real-world QKD deployments. Overall, the CGA-based optimization provides a robust tool for tuning security parameters in CV- and DV-QKD to maximize performance under composable security guarantees.

Abstract

We investigate the optimization of epsilon-security parameters in quantum key distribution (QKD), aiming to improve the achievable secure key rate under a fixed overall composable security level. For this purpose, we employ a continuous genetic algorithm (CGA) to optimize the epsilon-security components of two representative protocols: the homodyne protocol from the continuous-variable (CV) family and the BB84 protocol from the discrete-variable (DV) family. We detail the CGA configuration, summarize the derivation of the composable key rate, and emphasize the role of the epsilon-parameters in both protocols. We then compare key rates obtained with optimized epsilon-values against those derived from standard and randomized choices. Our results demonstrate substantial key rate improvements at high security levels, where the key rate typically vanishes, and uncover positive-rate regimes that are inaccessible without optimization.

Optimizing Epsilon Security Parameters in QKD

TL;DR

This work uses a continuous genetic algorithm to optimize epsilon-security parameters in both CV-QKD and DV-QKD under a fixed composable security level. By focusing on and (with derived from a constraint), the study demonstrates substantial key-rate gains at high security demands, with optimized parameters yielding near-equal and and a consistently smaller . The results show positive rates in regimes where standard or random parameter choices fail, highlighting a practical route to higher secure-key throughput in real-world QKD deployments. Overall, the CGA-based optimization provides a robust tool for tuning security parameters in CV- and DV-QKD to maximize performance under composable security guarantees.

Abstract

We investigate the optimization of epsilon-security parameters in quantum key distribution (QKD), aiming to improve the achievable secure key rate under a fixed overall composable security level. For this purpose, we employ a continuous genetic algorithm (CGA) to optimize the epsilon-security components of two representative protocols: the homodyne protocol from the continuous-variable (CV) family and the BB84 protocol from the discrete-variable (DV) family. We detail the CGA configuration, summarize the derivation of the composable key rate, and emphasize the role of the epsilon-parameters in both protocols. We then compare key rates obtained with optimized epsilon-values against those derived from standard and randomized choices. Our results demonstrate substantial key rate improvements at high security levels, where the key rate typically vanishes, and uncover positive-rate regimes that are inaccessible without optimization.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 12 sections, 26 equations, 2 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Epsilon Security in QKD
  3. Composable Key Rates
  4. CV-QKD Composable Key Rate
  5. DV-QKD Composable Key Rate
  6. The Continuous Genetic Algorithm
  7. General Description
  8. Algorithm Formulation
  9. Case Studies
  10. Epsilon optimization in CV-QKD
  11. Epsilon optimization in DV-QKD
  12. Conclusion

Figures (2)

  • Figure 1: Optimized epsilon security component values vs. epsilon security, for CV-QKD and DV-QKD protocols. For both figures, both axes are plotted on a logarithmic scale.
  • Figure 2: Composable key rate (bits/sec) vs. epsilon security, for CV-QKD and DV-QKD protocols. For (a) and (c), the x-axis is plotted on a logarithmic scale. For (b) and (d), the x-axis is plotted on a linear scale.