Integrated InP-based transmitter for continuous-variable quantum key distribution

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Developing quantum key distribution (QKD) systems using monolithic photonic integrated circuits (PICs) can accelerate their adoption by a wide range of markets, thanks to the potential reduction in size, complexity of the overall system, power consumption, and production cost. In this work, we design, fabricate and characterize an InP-based PIC transmitter for continuous-variable (CV) QKD applications. In a proof-of-principle experiment implementing a pulsed Gaussian-modulated coherent state (GMCS) CV-QKD protocol over an optical fiber channel of 11 km, the system showed a performance compatible with a secret key rate of 78 kbps in the asymptotic regime. These results show the potential of InP technologies to integrate CV-QKD systems onto a monolithic platform.

Source: Optics Express

DOI: 10.1364/oe.550386

Authors: J. Aldama, S. Sarmiento, L. Trigo Vidarte, S. Etcheverry, I. López Grande, L. Castelvero, A. Hinojosa, T. Beckerwerth, Y. Piétri, A. Rhouni, E. Diamanti, V. Pruneri

Institutions: Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, University of the Basque Country, Fraunhofer Institute for Telecommunications, Heinrich Hertz Institute, Sorbonne Université, Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270

Funders: Centres de Recerca de Catalunya, European Commission, Generalitat de Catalunya, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, Agència de Gestió d'Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca, Agencia Estatal de Investigación, H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions

OpenAlex ID: W4407095026