Digital synchronization for continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Abstract Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is a promising emerging technology for the of secure keys symmetric encryption. It can be readily implemented using commercial off-the-shelf optical telecommunications components. A requirement CV-QKD receiver ability to measure states at correct time instance and rate orthogonal observables, referred as synchronization. We propose digital synchronization procedure modern system with locally generated local oscillator coherent reception. Our proposed method modulation format independent allowing it used in variety systems. experimentally investigate its performance Gaussian modulated operating over 10–20 km span standard single mode fibre. Since does not require hardware modifications paves way cost-effective QKD solutions that adapt rapidly changing environmental conditions.