Hybrid encoder for discrete and continuous variable QKD

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is emerging as a cutting-edge application of quantum technology, gradually integrating into the industrial landscape. Many protocols employing discrete or continuous variables have been developed over time. Whereas the firsts usually excel in covering longer distances, the seconds are typically superior in producing higher secret key rates at short distances. Present efforts aim to create systems that can exploit both these strengths, foreseeing the future challenge regarding the realization of a quantum network consisting of multiple and heterogeneous interconnected nodes. Within such a context, a possible solution are devices able to efficiently toggle between discrete and continuous variable working modes with hybrid quantum state encoders. Therefore, this study presents a new hybrid encoder based on an iPOGNAC modulator, ensuring compatibility with Discrete Variable (DV) and Continuous Variable (CV) QKD systems that can be assembled entirely with commercial-off-the-shelf components. The proposed scheme is the first supporting DV polarization protocols, thus making it an appealing candidate for space nodes of a future quantum network, given that polarization-based protocols are well suited for space links.

9 pages, 5 figures

References in corpus (24)

• Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum cryptography: Public key distribution and coin tossing
• The Security of Practical Quantum Key Distribution
• Gaussian Quantum Information
• Advances in Quantum Cryptography
• Secure quantum key distribution with realistic devices
• Continuous variable quantum cryptography using coherent states
• Field test of quantum key distribution in the Tokyo QKD Network
• Distillation of secret key and entanglement from quantum states
• Secure quantum key distribution over 421 km of optical fiber
• Long-Distance Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution over 202.81 km of Fiber
• Unconditional security proof of long-distance continuous-variable quantum key distribution with discrete modulation
• Experimental Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution Over 1000 km Fiber Distance
• Continuous-variable quantum key distribution system: past, present, and future
• The Engineering of Software-Defined Quantum Key Distribution Networks
• Implementation of a 46-node quantum metropolitan area network
• Explicit asymptotic secret key rate of continuous-variable quantum key distribution with an arbitrary modulation
• Patterning-effect-free intensity modulator for secure decoy-state quantum key distribution
• Fast and simple qubit-based synchronization for quantum key distribution
• Simple and high-speed polarization-based QKD
• Stable, low-error and calibration-free polarization encoder for free-space quantum communication
• Resource-effective Quantum Key Distribution: a field-trial in Padua city center
• Dynamic DV-QKD Networking in Fully-Meshed Software-Defined Optical Networks
• The BB84 quantum key distribution using conjugate homodyne detection

Cited by in corpus (4)

• A Survey on Continuous Variable Quantum Key Distribution for Secure Data Transmission: Toward the Future of Secured Quantum-Networks
• Adaptive random compiler for Hamiltonian simulation
• Countermeasures for Trojan-Horse Attacks on self-compensating all-fiber polarization modulator
• Fluctuation-guided adaptive random compiler for Hamiltonian simulation