Robustness of continuous variable quantum key distribution under strong polarization drift

Abstract

The practical deployment of Continuous Variables Quantum Key Distribution (CV-QKD) systems benefits from existing optical fiber telecommunication infrastructures. However, optical fibers introduce random variations in the state of polarization, which degrades the system’s performance. We consider a CV-QKD system featuring a polarization diversity heterodyne receiver and the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) to compensate for the polarization drifts in the quantum channel. Our setup can effectively realign Alice’s quantum signal with Bob’s local oscillator for polarization drift variances below 10⁻¹⁰. This value is compatible with most experimental implementations, allowing for accurate estimation of the channel transmission and excess noise parameters. Our results establish operational limits for passive polarization drift compensation using a polarization diversity receiver combined with digital CMA, validating its use to compensate for the polarization drift in real-world implementations approximating the ideal scenario of no polarization drift, for polarization drift variances below 10⁻¹⁰. This enables long-term stability in CV-QKD systems, eliminating the need for active polarization controllers and manual adjustments.