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Modulator-free coherent-one-way quantum key distribution

Authors :
Roberts, George L.
Lucamarini, Marco
Dynes, James F.
Savory, Seb J.
Yuan, Zhiliang
Shields, Andrew J.
Source :
Laser Photon. Rev. 11 (2017) 1700067
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Time-bin encoding is an attractive method for transmitting photonic qubits over long distances with minimal decoherence. It allows a simple receiver for quantum key distribution (QKD) that extracts a key by measuring time of arrival of photons and detects eavesdropping by measuring interference of pulses in different time bins. In the past, coherent pulses have been generated using a CW laser and an intensity modulator. A greatly simplified transmitter is proposed and demonstrated here that works by directly modulating the laser diode. Coherence between pulses is maintained by a weak seed laser. The modulator-free source creates time-bin encoded pulses with a high extinction ratio (29.4 dB) and an interference visibility above 97 %. The resulting QKD transmitter gives estimated secure key rates up to 4.57 Mbit/s, the highest yet reported for coherent-one-way QKD, and can be programmed for all protocols using weak coherent pulses.<br />Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures

Subjects

Subjects :
Quantum Physics

Details

Database :
arXiv
Journal :
Laser Photon. Rev. 11 (2017) 1700067
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsarx.1707.04425
Document Type :
Working Paper
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.201700067