Bridging Resource Theory and Quantum Key Distribution: Geometric Analysis and Statistical Testing

Abstract: Discerning between quantum and classical correlations is of great importance. Bell polytopes are well established as a fundamental tool. In this paper, we extend this line of inquiry by applying resource theory within the context of Network scenarios, to a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) protocol. To achieve this, we consider the causal structure $P3$ that can describe the protocol, and we aim to develop useful statistical tests to assess it. More concretely, our objectives are twofold: firstly, to utilise the underlying causal structure of the QKD protocol to obtain a geometrical analysis of the resulting non-convex polytope, with a focus on the classical behaviours. Second, we devise a test within this framework to evaluate the distance between any two behaviours within the generated polytope. This approach offers a unique perspective, linking deviations from expected behaviour directly to the quality of the quantum resource or the residual nonclassicality in protocol execution.