Work

Quantum key distribution with a borosilicate-glass-matrix integrated photonic receiver

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are key to advancing quantum technologies for secure communications. They offer inherent stability, low losses, and compactness compared to standard fiber-based and free-space systems. Our research demonstrates PICs' effectiveness in enhancing quantum communications; we implement a three-state BB84 protocol with a decoy-state method, and we employ an integrated receiver and superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors to achieve technological advancements. One of the most notable results is the extraction of a secret key over a 45 dB channel attenuation. This achievement in the maximum covered distance signifies the potential of integrated photonics to advance the field of quantum communication.

Source: Physical Review A

DOI: 10.1103/physreva.110.042605

Authors: Giulia Guarda, Domenico Ribezzo, Tommaso Occhipinti, Alessandro Zavatta, Davide Bacco

Institutions: European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, University of L'Aquila, University of Florence

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca, H2020 European Research Council