Researchers analyze beam misalignment in BB84 QKD using Rayleigh and Hoyt models, revealing impacts on secure key generation.

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Researchers developed an analytical framework to quantify how beam misalignment (pointing error) affects quantum key distribution systems using the BB84 protocol. The study employed Rayleigh and Hoyt statistical models to derive expressions for error probability, quantum bit error rate, and secret key generation rate. Key findings reveal that larger beam waist increases errors and reduces secure key rates, receiver aperture improvements plateau beyond certain thresholds, and asymmetric pointing errors can surprisingly outperform symmetric misalignment in some scenarios.

IEEE Study Analyzes Pointing Error Impact on Quantum Key Distribution