Impact of polarization mode dispersion on entangled photon distribution

TL;DR

This paper develops and experimentally validates a model linking polarization mode dispersion in optical fibers to quantum measurement errors, proposing mitigation strategies to improve quantum communication fidelity.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive, experimentally validated model connecting PMD to quantum errors and offers mitigation methods for broadband entangled photons in fiber optics.

Findings

Model accurately predicts quantum bit error rate based on PMD measurements.

Mitigation strategies effectively reduce PMD-induced errors in quantum communication.

Higher-order PMD effects significantly impact quantum state fidelity.

Abstract

Polarization mode dispersion (PMD) in optical fibers poses a major challenge for maintaining the fidelity of quantum states for quantum communications. In this work, a comprehensive model linking the probability of quantum measurement errors (infidelity) to PMD is developed and validated by experimental measurements of differential group delay and quantum bit error rate (QBER). Our research proposes effective methods to mitigate PMD effects for broadband entangled photons and evaluates the impact of higher-order PMD effects. The model provides an experimentally verified framework for the optimization of commercial quantum key distribution systems in deployed fiber optic lines.