Work

Quantum dots for entanglement-based quantum key distribution

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Entanglement-based quantum key distribution (e-QKD) is a cornerstone of quantum-secure communication, offering advantages in device-independent security, compatibility with quantum networks, and resilience to specific attacks. While the probabilistic nature of entangled photon generation has slowed down experimental adoption compared to prepare-and-measure approaches, deterministic solid-state emitters—particularly epitaxial quantum dots (QDs)—have recently emerged as promising candidates for scalable, high-rate implementations. In this review, we survey the main e-QKD protocols along with their practical requirements and assess current technologies for entangled photon pair generation. We place particular emphasis on the state of the art in QD-based entangled photon sources, analyzing design strategies and performance metrics that directly impact secure key generation. Recent experimental advances demonstrating entanglement distribution and e-QKD with QDs over both fiber and free-space channels are discussed in detail. We conclude with an outlook on remaining challenges in source engineering, transmission capacity, and system integration, highlighting the potential of QDs to enable next-generation quantum communication technologies.

Source: Applied Physics Reviews

DOI: 10.1063/5.0293657

Authors: Francesco Basso Basset, Rinaldo Trotta

Institutions: Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza University of Rome

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: QuantERA, Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca, Horizon 2020 Framework Programme