We present the quantum key distribution (QKD) secure key ratio expression in a form that exposes the parameters that affect the Reconciliation (error correction) stage. Reconciliation is the least well understood in practical terms and is typically described through a model that provides little guidance when it comes to efficient implementation, although it requires significant resources and is required to achieve a performance level commensurate with the other stages of the QKD protocol implementation. We addresses the issue of practical QKD error correction, questions of performance based on our data and data that have been published, and addresses the issue of platforms capable of handling rates of Gb/s.

Date Published: 28 May 2013
PDF: 13 pages
Proc. SPIE 8749, Quantum Information and Computation XI, 874908 (28 May 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2015965

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8749:
Quantum Information and Computation XI
Eric Donkor; Andrew R. Pirich; Howard E. Brandt, Editor(s)