Work

Robust polarization state generation for long-range quantum key distribution

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: We present a new compact and robust polarization state transmitter designed to execute the BB84 quantum key distribution protocol. Our transmitter prepares polarization states using a single commercial-off-the-shelf phase modulator. Our scheme does not require global biasing to compensate thermal and mechanical drifts, as both of the system's two time-demultiplexed polarization modes share a single optical path. Furthermore, the transmitter's optical path entails a double-pass through the phase modulation device for each polarization mode, allowing multiple phase rotations to be impinged on each light pulse. We present a proof-of-concept prototype of this transmitter topology and demonstrate a mean intrinsic quantum bit error rate below 0.2% over a 5 hour measurement.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.481797

Authors: Abigail Stein, Ignacio H. López Grande, Lorenzo Castelvero, Valerio Pruneri

Institutions: Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270