A high-speed multi-protocol quantum key distribution transmitter based on a dual-drive modulator

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile high-speed quantum key distribution transmitter capable of supporting multiple protocols like BB84, COW, and DPS, enhancing practical quantum communication networks with adaptable and stable performance.

Contribution

A novel dual-drive modulator-based source enabling flexible, multi-protocol QKD transmission with stable, low error rates demonstrated experimentally.

Findings

Suitable for BB84, COW, and DPS protocols

Stable operation with low quantum bit error rate

Potential for multi-protocol quantum network integration

Abstract

We propose a novel source based on a dual-drive modulator that is adaptable and allows Alice to choose between various practical quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols depending on what receiver she is communicating with. Experimental results show that the proposed transmitter is suitable for implementation of the Bennett and Brassard 1984 (BB84), coherent one-way (COW) and differential phase shift (DPS) protocols with stable and low quantum bit error rate. This could become a useful component in network QKD, where multi-protocol capability is highly desirable.