Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) offers a novel approach to address the challenges posed by quantum computations in classical ciphers. Due to hardware limitations and the stochastic nature of QKD protocols, the secure key generation rate is currently constrained and subject to fluctuations. However, users expect a consistent supply of keys at a stable rate while maintaining a secure threshold. To address this issue, we present a Quantum Continuous and Secure Key Derivation Function named Q-CSKDF that utilizes QKD keys to produce stable, high-rate, but secure derivated keys. Our approach satisfies both security and rate requirements in a full-period and continuous perspective, with a dynamic derivation expansion ratio determined by users’ requirement of security level and key quantity and the amount of generated QKD keys. Extensive semi-physical experiments demonstrate Q-CSKDF’s capability to consistently generate high-rate derived keys while ensuring the desired level of security.

中文翻译：

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Q-CSKDF：用于量子密钥分发的连续且安全的密钥导出函数


量子密钥分发 (QKD) 提供了一种新颖的方法来解决经典密码中量子计算带来的挑战。由于硬件限制和 QKD 协议的随机性，安全密钥生成率目前受到限制并容易波动。然而，用户期望以稳定的速率持续提供密钥，同时保持安全阈值。为了解决这个问题，我们提出了一种名为 Q-CSKDF 的量子连续安全密钥派生函数，它利用 QKD 密钥来生成稳定、高速率且安全的派生密钥。我们的方法从全周期和连续的角度满足安全性和速率要求，动态推导扩展比例由用户对安全级别和密钥数量的要求以及生成的QKD密钥的数量决定。大量的半物理实验证明了 Q-CSKDF 能够持续生成高速率的派生密钥，同时确保所需的安全级别。