High key rate continuous-variable quantum key distribution using telecom optical components

High key rate continuous-variable quantum key distribution using telecom optical components

2 February 2024 | Tao Wang, Peng Huang, Lang Li, Yingming Zhou, Guihua Zeng
This paper presents a high-key-rate continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) system using telecom optical components. The system employs a classical optical IQ modulator for high-rate low-noise Gaussian modulation of coherent states, an integrated coherent receiver for high-baud low-intensity quantum signals, and a series of digital signal processing algorithms for accurate signal recovery and key distillation. The experimental setup is based on a local oscillator (LO) scheme, utilizing a narrow-linewidth continuous-wave laser, an optical isolator, a variable optical attenuator, and a high-speed optical IQ modulator. The quantum signals are detected by dual homodyne detectors, and the system achieves an asymptotic secret key rate (SKR) of 10.37 Mbps within 20 km of standard telecom fiber, with secure distances exceeding 100 km. The system's performance is comparable to state-of-the-art CV-QKD systems, and its integration with silicon photonics technology makes it a high-performance and cost-effective solution for metropolitan quantum networks. The paper also discusses the challenges and solutions for improving SKR, including signal modulation rate, signal reception rate, and data processing schemes.This paper presents a high-key-rate continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD) system using telecom optical components. The system employs a classical optical IQ modulator for high-rate low-noise Gaussian modulation of coherent states, an integrated coherent receiver for high-baud low-intensity quantum signals, and a series of digital signal processing algorithms for accurate signal recovery and key distillation. The experimental setup is based on a local oscillator (LO) scheme, utilizing a narrow-linewidth continuous-wave laser, an optical isolator, a variable optical attenuator, and a high-speed optical IQ modulator. The quantum signals are detected by dual homodyne detectors, and the system achieves an asymptotic secret key rate (SKR) of 10.37 Mbps within 20 km of standard telecom fiber, with secure distances exceeding 100 km. The system's performance is comparable to state-of-the-art CV-QKD systems, and its integration with silicon photonics technology makes it a high-performance and cost-effective solution for metropolitan quantum networks. The paper also discusses the challenges and solutions for improving SKR, including signal modulation rate, signal reception rate, and data processing schemes.
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