Continuous-variable quantum communication
Rev. Mod. Phys. 98, 015003 – Published 23 March, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/mgj7-t6d3
Abstract
Tremendous progress in experimental quantum optics in recent decades has enabled the advent of quantum technologies, one of which is quantum communication. Aimed at novel methods for more secure or more efficient information transfer, quantum communication has developed into an active field of research and proceeds toward full-scale implementations and industrialization. Continuous-variable methods of multiphoton quantum state preparation, manipulation, and coherent detection, as well as the respective theoretical tools of phase-space quantum optics, offer the possibility of making quantum communication efficient, applicable, and accessible, thus boosting the development of the field. The methodology, techniques, and protocols of continuous-variable quantum communication are reviewed, from the first theoretical ideas through milestone implementations and recent developments. The review covers quantum key distribution as well as other quantum communication schemes that are suggested on the basis of continuous-variable states and measurements.
Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)
Corrections
23 April, 2026
Correction: Typographical errors have been fixed in the following: Eq. (5); the new paragraph following Eq. (5), sentence 2, the expression denoting the squeezed quadrature variance; the paragraph above Eq. (18), sentence 1; Eq. (19); the new paragraph following Eq. (19), last sentence, the Holevo bound expression.
14 July, 2026
Second Correction: Typographical errors in Eqs. (34)–(40), (47), and (25)–(30) and related inline math have been fixed, and some minor wording changes have been made.
