Hybrid discrimination strategy in quantum communication based on photon-number-resolving detectors and mesoscopic twin-beam states

TL;DR

This paper introduces a hybrid quantum communication strategy using photon-number-resolving detectors and twin-beam states in the mesoscopic regime, enhancing robustness and security.

Contribution

It proposes a novel hybrid discrimination method combining classical and quantum features with mesoscopic twin-beam states for secure quantum communication.

Findings

Effective state discrimination using photon-number-resolving detectors.

Enhanced security through nonclassical correlations in twin-beam states.

Scalable approach suitable for complex signal alphabets.

Abstract

State discrimination is a key challenge in the implementation of quantum communication protocols. Most optical communication protocols rely on either coherent states of light or fragile single-photon states, making it often difficult to achieve robustness and security simultaneously. In this work, we propose a hybrid strategy that operates in the mesoscopic intensity regime, leveraging robust quantum states of light. Our approach combines classical and quantum features: reliable state discrimination based on a classical property of light, and security stemming from nonclassical correlations. Specifically, the receiver uses photon-number-resolving detectors to access the mean photon number of the binary thermal signals encoding the information. The communication channel exploits twin-beam states, inherently sensitive to eavesdropping attacks, to provide a layer of security. This strategy is scalable, allowing for straightforward extension to more complex signal alphabets, and offers a promising route for robust and secure quantum communication in the mesoscopic intensity domain.