Work

Coherent receiver for Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution using a 3 × 3 beam splitter and single-ended photodetectors

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Continuous-variable quantum key distribution relies on coherent detection. Conventional coherent receivers typically use an optical 90° hybrid and two balanced photodetectors providing robust phase-diversity detection. Here, we introduce and characterize a simplified receiver architecture based on a symmetric 3 × 3 beam splitter and three single-ended photodetectors for continuous-variable quantum key distribution. Results demonstrate that the 3 × 3 beam splitter-based architecture provides similar performance to conventional ones while reducing optical-hardware complexity.

Source: New Journal of Physics

DOI: 10.1088/1367-2630/aeb153

Authors: Pol Adillon, Samael Sarmiento, Jeison Tabares, Hugues de Riedmatten, Sebastian Etcheverry

Institution: Institute of Photonic Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,610

Funders: European Commission, Generalitat de Catalunya, Agencia Estatal de Investigación