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Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Synchronized laser array as a source for quantum communication

Ronald E. Meyers, Keith S. Deacon, Yehuda Y. Braiman, Yun Liu, Hua‐Kuang Liu, Yoonho Kim, J. Barhen

Published Dec 1, 2002• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

A synchronized broad-area laser array (SBLA) can produce a highly coherent light source whose output intensity is proportional to the square of the number of lasers in the array. High contrast optical intensity modulation can be achieved by utilizing the nonlinear response of the total output intensity to the injected light, resulting in fast optical switching. SBLA can be applied to phased array antenna and beam steering. Semiconductor laser array capability provides a unique opportunity not only for free-space adaptive optical communication but also for free-space quantum adaptive optical communications through the atmosphere. In this paper, we propose a paradigm that illustrates how quantum communication (which provides quantum ultra-security) can take advantage of ultrashort pules, high repetition rate, high power density (due to coherent beam coupling), and spatial beam control.

DOI
10.1117/12.451057

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A synchronized broad-area laser array (SBLA) can produce a highly coherent light source whose output intensity is proportional to the square of the number of lasers in the array. High contrast optical intensity modulation can be achieved by utilizing the nonlinear response of the total output intensity to the injected light, resulting in fast optical switching. SBLA can be applied to phased array antenna and beam steering. Semiconductor laser array capability provides a unique opportunity not only for free-space adaptive optical communication but also for free-space quantum adaptive optical communications through the atmosphere. In this paper, we propose a paradigm that illustrates how quantum communication (which provides quantum ultra-security) can take advantage of ultrashort pules, high repetition rate, high power density (due to coherent beam coupling), and spatial beam control.
The art of imparting information onto a light wave by optical signal modulation is fundamental to all forms of optical communication.Among many schemes, direct modulation of laser diodes stands out as a simple, robust, and cost-effective method.However, the simultaneous changes in intensity, frequency, and phase have prevented its application in the field of secure quantum communication.Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a directly phase-modulated light source which overcomes the main disadvantages associated with direct modulation and is suitable for diverse applications such as coherent communications and quantum cryptography.The source separates the tasks of phase preparation and pulse generation between a pair of semiconductor lasers leading to very pure phase states.Moreover, the cavity-enhanced electro-optic effect enables the first example of subvolt half-wave phase modulation at high signal rates.The source is compact, stable, and versatile, and we show its potential to become the standard transmitter for future quantum communication networks based on attenuated laser pulses.
The art of imparting information onto a light wave by optical signal modulation is fundamental to all forms of optical communication. Among many schemes, direct modulation of laser diodes stands out as a simple, robust, and cost-effective method. However, the simultaneous changes in intensity, frequency, and phase have prevented its application in the field of secure quantum communication. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a directly phase-modulated light source which overcomes the main disadvantages associated with direct modulation and is suitable for diverse applications such as coherent communications and quantum cryptography. The source separates the tasks of phase preparation and pulse generation between a pair of semiconductor lasers leading to very pure phase states. Moreover, the cavity-enhanced electro-optic effect enables the first example of subvolt half-wave phase modulation at high signal rates. The source is compact, stable, and versatile, and we show its potential to become the standard transmitter for future quantum communication networks based on attenuated laser pulses.
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A novel integrated optical source capable of emitting faint pulses with different polarization states and with different intensity levels at 100 MHz has been developed. The source relies on a single laser diode followed by four semiconductor optical amplifiers and thin film polarizers, connected through a fiber network. The use of a single laser ensures high level of indistinguishability in time and spectrum of the pulses for the four different polarizations and three different levels of intensity. The applicability of the source is demonstrated in the lab through a free space quantum key distribution experiment which makes use of the decoy state BB84 protocol. We achieved a lower bound secure key rate of the order of 3.64 Mbps and a quantum bit error ratio as low as 1.14×10⁻² while the lower bound secure key rate became 187 bps for an equivalent attenuation of 35 dB. To our knowledge, this is the fastest polarization encoded QKD system which has been reported so far. The performance, reduced size, low power consumption and the fact that the components used can be space qualified make the source particularly suitable for secure satellite communication.
We report a significant advancement in ultra low power light-by-light phase modulation using open semiconductor microcavities in the strong light-matter coupling regime. We achieve cross-phase modulation of up to 247$\pm$17 mrad per particle between laser beams attenuated to single-photon average intensities. This breakthrough extends the potential for quantum information processing and nonlinear quantum optics in strongly coupled light-matter systems, setting a new benchmark in the field without relying on atom-like emitters. Our findings suggest promising new avenues for scalable quantum optical technologies.