Abstract
Continuous-variable quantum cryptographic systems, including random number generation and key distribution, are often based on coherent detection. The essence of the security analysis lies in the randomness quantification. Previous analyses employ a semiquantum picture, where the strong local oscillator limit is assumed. Here we investigate the randomness of homodyne detection in a full quantum scenario by accounting for the shot noise in the local oscillator, which requires us to develop randomness measures in the infinite-dimensional scenario. Similar to the finite-dimensional case, our introduced measure of randomness corresponds to the relative entropy of coherence defined for an infinite-dimensional system. Our results are applicable to general coherent detection systems, in which the local oscillator is inevitably of finite power. As an application example, we employ the analysis method to a practical vacuum-fluctuation quantum random number generator and explore the limits of generation rate given a continuous-wave laser.
- Received 21 July 2018
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.98.042321
©2018 American Physical Society