Stable, low-error and calibration-free polarization encoder for free-space quantum communication

Abstract

Polarization-encoded free-space Quantum Communication requires a quantum state source featuring fast polarization modulation, long-term stability and a low intrinsic error rate. Here we present a source based on a Sagnac interferometer and composed of polarization maintaining fibers, a fiber polarization beam splitter and an electro-optic phase modulator. The system generates predetermined polarization states with a fixed reference frame in free-space that does not require calibration neither at the transmitter nor at the receiver. In this way we achieve long-term stability and low error rates. A proof-of-concept experiment is also reported, demonstrating a Quantum Bit Error Rate lower than 0.2% for several hours without any active recalibration of the devices.

6 pages, 2 figures

References in corpus (12)

• Satellite-to-ground quantum key distribution
• Experimental Satellite Quantum Communications
• Finite-key analysis on the 1-decoy state QKD protocol
• Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution robust against channel disturbance
• Patterning-effect-free intensity modulator for secure decoy-state quantum key distribution
• Simple Quantum Key Distribution with qubit-based synchronization and a self-compensating polarization encoder
• All-fiber self-compensating polarization encoder for Quantum Key Distribution
• Proof-of-Concept of Real-World Quantum Key Distribution with Quantum Frames
• Simple and high-speed polarization-based QKD
• Experimental quantum key distribution with finite-key security analysis for noisy channels
• 100 MHz Amplitude and Polarization Modulated Optical Source for Free-Space Quantum Key Distribution at 850 nm
• Remote blind state preparation with weak coherent pulses in the field

Cited by in corpus (15)

• Resource-effective Quantum Key Distribution: a field-trial in Padua city center
• Optimal design and performance evaluation of free-space Quantum Key Distribution systems
• Versatile and concurrent FPGA-based architecture for practical quantum communication systems
• Cross-encoded quantum key distribution exploiting time-bin and polarization states with qubit-based synchronization
• Synchronization of quantum communication over an optical classical communication channel
• Intermodal quantum key distribution field trial with active switching between fiber and free-space channels
• International time transfer between precise timing facilities secured with a quantum key distribution network
• Hybrid encoder for discrete and continuous variable QKD
• Quantum communications feasibility tests over a UK-Ireland 224-km undersea link
• Modular source for near-infrared quantum communication
• In-Field Comparison between G.652 and G.655 Optical Fibers for Polarization-Based Quantum Key Distribution
• General model and modulation strategies for Sagnac-based encoders
• A Sagnac-based arbitrary time-bin state encoder for quantum communication applications
• Ultrastable, low-error dynamic polarization encoding of deterministically generated single photons
• Countermeasures for Trojan-Horse Attacks on self-compensating all-fiber polarization modulator