Finite-key security analysis of decoy-state QKD with source and detector imperfections

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2606.29943v1
• Date: Mon, 29 Jun 2026 08:20:44 GMT
• Title: Finite-key security analysis of decoy-state QKD with source and detector imperfections
• Abstract summary: Decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) is the most widely adopted approach for overcoming the limitations of imperfect single-photon sources.<n>In this work, we combine and extend several recent theoretical advances to provide a comprehensive analytical finite-key security proof for QKD.
• Score: 0.0
• License: http://arxiv.org/licenses/nonexclusive-distrib/1.0/
• Abstract: Decoy-state quantum key distribution (QKD) is the most widely adopted approach for overcoming the limitations of imperfect single-photon sources. However, existing security proofs typically either neglect important device imperfections or rely on assumptions that are difficult to justify in realistic high-speed implementations, such as the independent and identically distributed nature of the emitted signals. In this work, we combine and extend several recent theoretical advances to provide a comprehensive analytical finite-key security proof for decoy-state QKD that simultaneously incorporates multiple practically relevant transmitter and receiver imperfections, including state-preparation flaws, bit and basis side-channel leakage and correlations, setting-independent intensity fluctuations, and detection-efficiency mismatches.

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