Key Evaluation of a Relativistic Quantum Key Distribution Over a Turbulent Free-space Optical Channel
Abstract
We investigate the performance of relativistic quantum key distribution (RQKD) over turbulent free-space optical channels for both single-photon and coherent-state implementations. A theoretical model is developed to describe the effect of atmospheric turbulence on interferometric visibility and secret-key generation by incorporating turbulence-induced phase fluctuations into the key-rate analysis. Numerical simulations are performed under realistic channel conditions to evaluate the achievable communication distance and secret-key rate. The results show that atmospheric turbulence degrades the protocol performance by reducing interference visibility, with the severity of the degradation determined by the ratio between the interferometer-arm separation r (or temporal separation of signal and reference states ΔT) and Fried's parameter. The single-photon protocol remains operational over all investigated turbulence regimes, whereas the coherent-state implementation exhibits a critical dependence on the interferometer geometry (especially on ΔT), leading to a threshold beyond which secure key generation is no longer possible. These findings quantify the impact of atmospheric turbulence on relativistic quantum key distribution and provide practical guidelines for the design and optimization of free-space RQKD systems.
Related
- Detector-Frame Quantum Limits for Heterodyne Timing in Relativistic Optical Links
- A theoretical study of subcarrier-wave quantum key distribution system integration with an optical transport network utilizing dense wavelength division multiplexing
- A Scalable Multi-Protocol Platform for Quantum Key Distribution Simulation with Rigorous Statistical Evaluation
- Anisotropy and energy distribution of leptons and photons in radiative relativistic Alfvénic turbulence
- Electron scattering from polar hydrides using relativistic optical potential method
BibTeX
@misc{bebrov2026evaluation,
title = {{Key Evaluation of a Relativistic Quantum Key Distribution Over a Turbulent Free-space Optical Channel}},
author = {G. Bebrov},
howpublished = {arXiv},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.48550/arxiv.2610.38808},
eprint = {2610.38808},
archivePrefix = {arXiv},
url = {https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.38808},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Key Evaluation of a Relativistic Quantum Key Distribution Over a Turbulent Free-space Optical Channel
AU - G. Bebrov
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/28
PB - arXiv
DO - 10.48550/arxiv.2610.38808
UR - https://arxiv.org/abs/2610.38808
AB - We investigate the performance of relativistic quantum key distribution (RQKD) over turbulent free-space optical channels for both single-photon and coherent-state implementations. A theoretical model is developed to describe the effect of atmospheric turbulence on interferometric visibility and secret-key generation by incorporating turbulence-induced phase fluctuations into the key-rate analysis. Numerical simulations are performed under realistic channel conditions to evaluate the achievable communication distance and secret-key rate. The results show that atmospheric turbulence degrades the protocol performance by reducing interference visibility, with the severity of the degradation determined by the ratio between the interferometer-arm separation r (or temporal separation of signal and reference states ΔT) and Fried's parameter. The single-photon protocol remains operational over all investigated turbulence regimes, whereas the coherent-state implementation exhibits a critical dependence on the interferometer geometry (especially on ΔT), leading to a threshold beyond which secure key generation is no longer possible. These findings quantify the impact of atmospheric turbulence on relativistic quantum key distribution and provide practical guidelines for the design and optimization of free-space RQKD systems.
ER -