Discrete-variable quantum key distribution with homodyne detection

Most quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols can be classified as either a discrete-variable (DV) protocol or continuous-variable (CV) protocol, based on how classical information is being encoded. We propose a protocol that combines the best of both worlds – the simplicity of quantum state preparation in DV-QKD together with the cost-effective and high-bandwidth of homodyne detectors used in CV-QKD. Our proposed protocol has two highly practical features: (1) it does not require the honest parties to share the same reference phase (as required in CV-QKD) and (2) the selection of decoding basis can be performed after measurement. We also prove the security of the proposed protocol in the asymptotic limit under the assumption of collective attacks. Our simulation suggests that the protocol is suitable for secure and high-speed practical key distribution over metropolitan distances.

Parametrizations of the Poisson–Schrödinger equations in spherical symmetry

We consider the asymptotically flat standing wave solutions to the Poisson–Schrödinger system of equations. These equations are also known as the Schrödinger–Newton equations and are the Newtonian limit of the Einstein–Klein–Gordon equations. The asymptotically flat standing wave solutions to the Poisson–Schrödinger equations are known as static states. These solutions can be parametrized using a variety of choices of two continuous parameters and one discrete parameter, each having a useful physical-geometrical interpretation. The values of the discrete variable determines the number of nodes (zeros) in the solution. We use numerical inversion techniques to analyze transformations between various informative choices of parametrization by relating each of them to a standard set of three parameters. Based on our computations, we propose explicit formulas for these relationships. Our computations also show that for the standard choice of continuous variables, the zero-node ground state yields a minimum value of a geometrically natural discrete variable. We give an explicit formula for this minimum value. We use these results to confirm two related observations from previous work by the author and others, and suggest additional applications and approaches to understand these phenomena analytically.

Simple security proofs for continuous variable quantum key distribution with intensity fluctuating sources

Despite tremendous theoretical and experimental progress in continuous variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD), the security has not been rigorously established for most current continuous variable quantum key distribution systems that have imperfections. Among these imperfections, intensity fluctuation is one of the principal problems affecting security. In this paper, we provide simple security proofs for continuous variable quantum key distribution systems with intensity fluctuating sources. Specifically, depending on device assumptions in the source, the imperfect systems are divided into two general cases for security proofs. In the most conservative case, we prove the security based on the tagging idea, which is a main technique for the security proof of discrete variable quantum key distribution. Our proofs are simple to implement without any hardware adjustment for current continuous variable quantum key distribution systems. Also, we show that our proofs are able to provide secure secret keys in the finite-size scenario.

Predictors of Osprey Nest Success In A Highly Urbanized Environment

ABSTRACT Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) are adaptable fish-eating raptors that readily nest on artificial structures in heavily human-dominated areas. Although the Osprey is a well-studied species, few researchers have investigated the factors that influence nest success and productivity in an urban environment. We monitored Osprey nests from 2013 to 2017 in highly urbanized Pinellas County, located on the west coast of central Florida, USA. We used logistic exposure models to assess the effects of timing of nesting, nest attributes (nest substrate, height), and landscape-level variables (inter-nest distance, distance to water, and surrounding habitat type) on daily survival rate (DSR) of Osprey nests. The number of active nests (i.e., nests with eggs) in the study area ranged from 53 in 2013 to 79 in 2016, with an overall total of 329 during the 5-yr study. Although most nests produced at least one young near fledging age, 131 of the nests failed. We attributed 45% of nest failures to storm events and 50% to unknown causes. The best logistic exposure model specification included only two variables: the discrete variable representing the date incubation started and the nominal variable indicating the year 2015. Osprey nests initiated earlier in the season were more likely to survive, and later nests (initiated after 22 April) averaged only one fledgling each. Osprey nests in 2015 had the highest DSR and relatively few failed due to storms. Our results supported previous research indicating that early nesters were more successful than late nesters. Our results also indicate that storms may play a role in nest success of Ospreys in Florida. Other variables, such as the amount of urbanized land surrounding Osprey nests did not appear to influence nest survival, indicating that Ospreys can be productive even in highly urban environments.

Imaginary-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Calculation of Excited States of Atoms Using CWDVR Approach

We have calculated the energies of excited states for the He, Li, and Be atoms by the time dependent self-consistent Kohn Sham equation using the Coulomb Wave Function Discrete Variable Representation CWDVR) approach. The CWDVR approach was used the uniform and optimal spatial grid discretization to the solution of the Kohn-Sham equation for the excited states of atoms. Our results suggest that the CWDVR approach is an efficient and precise solutions of excited-state energies of atoms. We have shown that the calculated electronic energies of excited states for the He, Li, and Be atoms agree with the other researcher values.

Discrete Variable Quantum Key Distribution in Millimeter-Wave and THz Regions

The present work discusses the implementation of the B92 QKD protocol in MMW using glow discharge device-based single-photon detector.