Scalar Minimax Filter-based Phase Tracking for Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract

In local oscillator (LLO)-based continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD), a difference between the linewidth values of two free-running lasers at Alice and Bob induces a phase drift noise. This work proposes a novel minimax filter-based phase tracking that aims to minimize the phase drift considering maximum residual phase error to achieve optimal phase estimation. Simulation results show that the minimax filter offers a lower phase estimation mean square error (MSE) value compared to the Kalman filter when worst-case phase drift error due to high linewidth difference or high measurement noise values are considered.