Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution With Self-Reference Detection and Discrete Modulation

We proposed the optimized continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol with self-reference and discrete modulation, which incorporates the advantages of both self-reference detection scenario and discrete modulation of quantum states. The impact of excess phase noise resulting from the self-reference intradyne detection on the secret key rate has been evaluated. We have comprehensively analyzed the optimized protocol performance and compared it with the other three continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocols proposed so far and confirmed that the optimized protocol that we proposed enables the quantum key distribution over longer distances and immunity against the side-channel attack.