Modulator-free coherent-one-way quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a simplified, modulator-free laser source for time-bin encoded quantum key distribution, achieving high interference visibility and record secure key rates, enhancing practical quantum communication.

Contribution

A novel, simplified laser modulation method for time-bin QKD that maintains coherence and achieves record secure key rates.

Findings

High extinction ratio of 29.4 dB in pulses

Interference visibility above 97%

Secure key rates up to 4.57 Mbit/s

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.