Making Quantum Key Distribution a Commodity: The All-Silicon Approach

TL;DR

This paper presents an all-silicon quantum key distribution transmitter, aiming to make QKD technology more affordable, compact, and suitable for widespread integration into existing communication systems.

Contribution

It introduces a novel all-silicon QKD transmitter leveraging silicon-compatible light sources, enabling cost-effective and miniaturized quantum communication devices.

Findings

Demonstrates a functional all-silicon QKD transmitter

Shows potential for scalable, integrated quantum communication systems

Advances the integration of quantum optics with silicon photonics

Abstract

The dawning of the quantum age makes quantum key distribution (QKD) an indispensable necessity for our global communication infrastructure. The realization of an all-silicon QKD transmitter supplied by a light source that is native to silicon integration platforms is seen as a disruptive step towards the pervasive introduction of QKD in new applications, which up to now have not been explored due to the missing credentials of quantum optics as a cost-effective and highly miniaturized technology.