Enhancing quantum key distribution efficiency using seeding techniques

Abstract

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers theoretically secure key exchange but is limited by low key generation rates, hindering practical deployment. This thesis presents the Quantum-Key Generation Module (Q-KGM), a quantumclassical Key Derivation Function (KDF) inspired by the Quantum-Classical Symmetric Key Derivation Function (Q-CSKDF), designed to enhance QKD efficiency by stretching limited quantum keys into high-rate cryptographic keys. Q-KGMintegrates a QKD layer, key pool management, and key expansion using SHAKE-256, evaluated across three platforms: the IBM Cloud Simulation on IBM Quantum Cloud, the Aer Simulation, and the no QKD Simulation (Custom Key Generation).