Measurement Device Independent Quantum Key Distribution Based on Orbital Angular Momentum under Parametric Light Source

On the one hand, existing measurement device independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) protocols have usually adopted single photon source (SPS) and weak coherent photon (WCP), however, these protocols have suffered from multi-photon problem brought from photon splitter number attacks. On the other hand, the orbital angular momentum (OAM)-MDI-QKD protocol does not need to compare and adjust the reference frame, solving the dependency of the base in the MDI-QKD protocol. Given that, we propose the OAM-MDI-QKD protocol based on the parametric light sources which mainly include single-photon-added-coherent (SPACS) and heralded single-photon sources (HSPS). Due to the stability of OAM and the participation of parametric light sources, the performance of MDI-QKD protocol gradually approaches the ideal situation. Numerical simulation shows that compared with WCP scheme, HSPS and SPACS schemes have increased the maximum secure transmission distance by 30 km and 40 km respectively.     

Phase-encoded measurement device independent quantum key distribution without a shared reference frame

In this paper, a phase-encoded measurement device independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) protocol without a shared reference frame is presented, which can generate secure keys between two parties while the quantum channel or interferometer introduces an unknown and slowly time-varying phase. The corresponding secret key rate and single photons bit error rate is analysed, respectively, with single photons source (SPS) and weak coherent source (WCS), taking finite-key analysis into account. The numerical simulations show that the modified phase-encoded MDI-QKD protocol has apparent superiority both in maximal secure transmission distance and key generation rate while possessing the improved robustness and practical security in the high-speed case. Moreover, the rejection of the frame-calibrating part will intrinsically reduce the consumption of resources as well as the potential security flaws of practical MDI-QKD systems.     

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution with odd coherent state

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) is immune to all the detection attacks, thus when it is combined with the decoy-state method, the final key rate can be obtained by estimating the gain and quantum bit error rate for various input photon numbers. In this paper, we propose to perform MDI-QKD with odd coherent state (OCS) and compare the results with weak coherent source scenario. Our simulation indicates that both the secure key rate and transmission distance can be improved evidently with OCS owing to the lower probability of multi-photon events of the OCS. Furthermore, we apply the finite key analysis to the decoy-state MDI-QKD with OCS and obtain a practical key rate.     

Measurement device independent quantum key distribution assisted by hybrid qubit

Abstract

Measurement device independent Quantum Key Distribution (MDI-QKD), is immune to all attacks on detection and achieve immense improvement with respect to quantum key distribution system security. However, Bell state measurement (BSM), the kernel processing in MDI-QKD, can only identify two of the four Bell states, which limits the efficiency of the protocol. In this paper, a modified MDI-QKD with hybrid qubit is proposed to provide a major step towards answering this question. The hybrid qubits, which are composed of single photon qubit qubits and coherent qubit, are sent to the quantum relay to perform parallel BSMs synchronously and bit flip can be easily operated to complete the whole key distribution process. The secure key rate can be improved with our modified protocol owing to the higher success probability of BSM, which is increased by adding the parity check of coherent qubit. Furthermore, though our protocol requires photon number resolving detectors, the BSM of coherent state could be instead implemented using squeezed state which makes our scheme practical with state-of-the-art devices.     

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution: from idea towards application

We assess the overall performance of our quantum key distribution (QKD) system implementing the measurement-device-independent (MDI) protocol using components with varying capabilities such as different single-photon detectors and qubit preparation hardware. We experimentally show that superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors allow QKD over a channel featuring 60 dB loss, and QKD with more than 600 bits of secret key per second (not considering finite key effects) over a 16 dB loss channel. This corresponds to 300 and 80 km of standard telecommunication fiber, respectively. We also demonstrate that the integration of our QKD system into FPGA-based hardware (instead of state-of-the-art arbitrary waveform generators) does not impact on its performance. Our investigation allows us to acquire an improved understanding of the trade-offs between complexity, cost and system performance, which is required for future customization of MDI-QKD. Given that our system can be operated outside the laboratory over deployed fiber, we conclude that MDI-QKD is a promising approach to information-theoretic secure key distribution.     

Engineering the spectral and temporal properties of a GHz-bandwidth heralded single-photon source interfaced with an on-demand,broadband quantum memory

Photonics offers a route to fast and distributed quantum computing in ambient conditions, provided that photon sources and logic gates can be operated deterministically. Quantum memories, capable of storing and re-emitting photons on demand, enable quasi-deterministic operations by synchronizing stochastic events. Interfaced source–memory systems are thus a key building block in photonics-based quantum information processors. We discuss the design of the single-photon source in this type of light–matter interface and present an experimental system based on a Raman-type quantum memory. In addition to the spectral purity of the produced heralded single photons, we find that their temporal distinguishability also becomes important due to the implicit temporal binning derived from photon storage in the memory. When aiming to operate the source–memory system at high repetition rates, a practical compromise between both of these requirements needs to be found. Our implemented photon source system demonstrates such a solution and enables passive stability, high brightness in a single-pass configuration, high purity as well as good mode matching to our Raman memory.     

Theory of single-photon detectors employing smart strategies of detection

Single-photon detectors have become more important with the advent of set-ups for optical communication using single-photon pulses, mainly quantum key distribution. The performance of quantum key distribution systems depends strongly on the performance of single-photon detectors. In this paper, aiming to overcome the afterpulsing that limits strongly the maximal transmission rate of quantum key distribution systems, three smart strategies for single-photon detection are discussed using analytical and numerical procedures. The three strategies are: hold-off time conditioned to avalanche presence, termed the Norwegian strategy, using one avalanche photodiode, using two raffled avalanche photodiodes and using two switched avalanche photodiodes. Finally we give examples using these strategies in a quantum key distribution set-up.     

Optical realization of optimal symmetric universal and phase-covariant quantum cloning

We propose an experimentally unified linear optical scheme to implement the optimal symmetric one to two (1?→?2) universal, optimal symmetric 1?→?2 phase-covariant and optimal symmetric economical one to three (1?→?3) phase-covariant quantum cloning machines of the polarization state of the single photon. This scheme requires single-photon sources as the input state. Here, we use a laser beam attenuated to the single-photon level as the input source. The scheme relies on one polarized qubit and two location qubits and it also involves linear optical elements. It is shown that under certain conditions, the scheme is feasible by current experimental technology.     

High-stability time-domain balanced homodyne detector for ultrafast optical pulse applications

Abstract

Low-noise, efficient, phase-sensitive time-domain optical detection is essential for foundational tests of quantum physics based on optical quantum states and the realization of numerous applications ranging from quantum key distribution to coherent classical telecommunications. Stability, bandwidth, efficiency, and signal-to-noise ratio are crucial performance parameters for effective detector operation. Here we present a high-bandwidth, low-noise, ultra-stable time-domain coherent measurement scheme based on balanced homodyne detection ideally suited to characterization of quantum and classical light fields in well-defined ultrashort optical pulse modes.     

Proposal for a new scheme for producing a two-photon,high dimensional hyperentangled state

We propose an experimentally feasible scheme for generating a two 2?×?4?×?4 dimensional photon hyperentangled state, entangled in polarization, frequency and spatial mode. This scheme is mainly based on a parametric down-conversion source and cross-Kerr nonlinearities, which avoids the complicated uncertain post-selection. Our method can be easily expanded to the production of hyperentangled states with more photons in multidimensions. Hence the expectation for vast quantities of information in quantum information processing will possibly come true. Finally, we put forward a realizable quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol based on the high dimensional hyperentangled state.     

Quantum information technology with Sagnac interferometer: interaction-free measurement,quantum key distribution and quantum secret sharing

The interferometry of single-photon pulses has been used to implement quantum technology systems, like quantum key distribution, interaction-free measurement and some other quantum communication protocols. In most of these implementations, Mach–Zehnder, Michelson and Fabry–Pérot interferometers are the most used. In this work we present optical setups for interaction-free measurement, quantum key distribution, quantum secret sharing and secure classical prisoners' dilemma game using the Sagnac interferometer. The proposed setups are described and as well the quantum protocols using them are explained.     

Linear optical setups for active and passive quantum error correction in polarization encoded qubits

In this work, we present active and passive linear optical setups for error correction in quantum communication systems that employ polarization of single-photon and mesoscopic coherent states. The proposed systems are analytically analysed and their applications in quantum communication systems are described. In particular, we show a security analysis of a QKD system employing the active error correction system when an eavesdropper uses the Fuchs–Peres–Brandt attack.     

An Efficient Quantum Key Distribution Protocol with Dense Coding on Single Photons

Combined with the dense coding mechanism and the bias-BB84 protocol, an efficient quantum key distribution protocol with dense coding on single photons (QDKD-SP) is proposed. Compared with the BB84 or bias-BB84 protocols based on single photons, our QDKD-SP protocol has a higher capacity without increasing the difficulty of its experiment implementation as each correlated photon can carry two bits of useful information. Compared with the quantum dense key distribution (QDKD) protocol based on entangled states, our protocol is more feasible as the preparation and the measurement of a single-photon quantum state is not difficult with current technology. In addition, our QDKD-SP protocol is theoretically proved to be secure against the intercept-resend attack.     

Single-photon avalanche diode detectors for quantum key distribution

The application of quantum key distribution (QKD) has raised particular demands for single-photon detectors. One of the most promising candidates at the low-loss optical fibre communications windows is the planar geometry InGaAs/InP single-photon avalanche diode. These detectors have been modelled, fabricated and characterised at 1.55 mum wavelength. Their performance in terms of single-photon detection efficiency, dark count rate, timing jitter and afterpulsing behaviour are reported and compared with the best commercially available, linear multiplication avalanche photodiodes operated in Geiger-mode. Their use in the application of QKD is discussed.     

背景光对星地量子密钥分配量子误码率的影响

量子误码率是量子密钥分配系统的重要参数之一.对于星地量子密钥分配,采用具有泊松分布的高度衰减激光脉冲作为单光子源,建立了由背景光引起的量子误码率理论模型,给出了量子误码率的表达式.针对轨道高度为300km的低轨卫星-地面站间链路,进行了数值仿真分析.研究表明,背景光是限制自由空间量子密钥分配链路距离的主要因素之一,在低轨卫星-地面站间进行量子密钥分配是可行的.在白天,量子误码率的量级为10-3～10-2;在夜晚,满月时为10-4,新月时为10-6～10-5.     

Ultra-low dead time free-running InGaAsP single-photon detector with active quenching

High afterpulse probability and the consequent long dead time of free-running InGaAs(P) single-photon detectors have long been the limiting factors to their practical applications. Here we present a free-running InGaAsP single-photon detector for 1.06?μm wavelength with ultra-low dead time and afterpulse probability. With the optimized active-quenching circuit and packaging, the avalanche pulse discrimination level is down to 2.4?mV, and the full-width at half-maximum of the avalanche pulse is as short as 500?ps, which greatly lessens afterpulsing effects. As a result, the dead time of the detector is as low as 35?ns, comparable to free-running silicon detectors, with a low afterpulse probability of 11.6% at 10% detection efficiency, 242?K. The proposed detector provides a high-performance, small-sized, low-power approach to single-photon detection for practical applications such as light detection and ranging and free-space quantum key distribution systems.     

宣布式纠缠单光子源及量子化光辐射量值溯源体系研究

针对fJ(飞焦)至单光子极弱能量测量及溯源需求,提出一种纠缠单光子源.通过基于冷原子团的自发四波混频效应产生波长795 nm的宣布式纠缠光子对,采用背景辐射抑制与实时补偿、高精度激光稳频、时序脉冲精密同步获得窄线宽、高质量的单光子源.在此基础上,研究了纠缠光子源参数校准方法,进一步建立以量子基准为基础的全新光辐射量值溯...     

Managing photons for quantum information processing

We study distinguishing information in the context of photonic quantum interference tailored for practical implementations of quantum information processing schemes. In particular, we consider the character of single-photon states optimized for multiple-source interference experiments and for experiments relying on Bell-state measurement and arrive at specific design criteria for photons produced by parametric down-conversion. Such states can be realistically implemented with available technology. We describe a novel method for characterizing the mode structure of single photons, and demonstrate it in the context of coherent light.     

A high-performance integrated single-photon detector for telecom wavelengths

Abstract

A commercial avalanche photodiode (APD) and the circuitry needed to operate it as a single-photon detector (SPD) have been integrated onto a single PC board (PCB). At temperatures accessible with Peltier coolers (～200–240 K), the PCB-SPD achieves high detection efficiency (DE) at 1308 and 1545 nm with low dark-count probability (e.g. ～10^?6/bias pulse at DE = 20%, 220 K), making it useful for quantum key distribution (QKD). The board generates fast bias pulses, cancels noise transients, amplifies the signals, and sends them to an on-board discriminator. A digital blanking circuit suppresses afterpulsing.     

Deterministic generation of a bit-stream of single-photon pulses

Abstract

We report a high efficiency scheme for generating a single-photon state transmitted out of an optical cavity. For realistic cavity QED parameters, we show that the scheme can produce a single-photon pulse with a probability exceeding 99% in a user-specified time interval. By recycling the system, the scheme can be used to create a bit-stream of single-photon pulses.