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Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics Europe & European Quantum Electronics Conference (CLEO/Europe-EQEC)

Free-space continuous-variable Quantum Cryptography

Shingo Tokunaga, Kazuya Shirasaki, Takuya Hirano

Published Jun 1, 2007• 3 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) is expected to realized a global system for QKD based on a network of ground to satellite or satellite to satellite, and thus to extend the distance limit and the utility of QKD method (Schmitt-Manderbach et al., 2007). We report an experimental demonstration of free-space continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD). We use a 1.55 m-wavelength pulsed diode laser and a pulsed homodyne detector. We have demonstrated free-space CV-QKD using a novel collinear interferometer. Our result shows the feasibility of practical free-space CV-QKD. We believe it will be an important step for the future study of free-space CV-QKD.

DOI
10.1109/cleoe-iqec.2007.4386790

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Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) is expected to realized a global system for QKD based on a network of ground to satellite or satellite to satellite, and thus to extend the distance limit and the utility of QKD method (Schmitt-Manderbach et al., 2007). We report an experimental demonstration of free-space continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD). We use a 1.55 m-wavelength pulsed diode laser and a pulsed homodyne detector. We have demonstrated free-space CV-QKD using a novel collinear interferometer. Our result shows the feasibility of practical free-space CV-QKD. We believe it will be an important step for the future study of free-space CV-QKD.
Continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) has emerged as a promising candidate for quantum-secure communication due to its experimentally demonstrated high key rates in fiber-optic channels. However, the feasibility of discrete modulation CV-QKD in satellite-to-ground downlinks remains an open question due to practical challenges such as high transmission loss, limited communication windows, and atmospheric turbulence. In this work, a comprehensive framework is proposed to evaluate the feasibility of discrete modulation CV-QKD by integrating orbital dynamics and atmospheric channel models, and to comprehensively analyze the influence of the parameter space on free-space discrete modulation CV-QKD. To achieve this, a free-space CV-QKD simulation platform is employed, which calculates the elevation angle and transmission distance based on precise orbital models, thereby providing a more practical assessment of the key rate for discrete modulation CV-QKD. Simulation results verify the feasibility and practicality of discrete modulation CV-QKD in satellite-based quantum communication systems. Furthermore, the critical factors influencing the key rate performance are identified, and parameter optimization strategies are proposed, providing theoretical support for realizing the future satellite-to-ground discrete modulation CV-QKD.
We report "plug & play" and free-space implementations of continuous-variable (CV) quantum key distribution (QKD). In a CV QKD system, a homodyne detector is used to detect a weak signal light by superposing the signal with a local oscillator (LO) whose intensity is much stronger than the signal. In conventional "plug & play" (or auto compensating) systems, two pulses traverse an identical optical path and the intensities of them become equal. In our experiment we use an acousto-optic modulator and have successfully controlled the intensities of the signal and the LO. For free-space implementation of CV QKD the stability of the double interferometer is a crucial problem. We have separated the signal and LO in time longer than the coherence time of the pulse by exploiting the birefringence of EOM crystals. In this setup the signal and LO traverse along the same ray path, so the stability of the interferometer is greatly improved.
Quantum key distribution with continuous variables (CV-QKD) enables two parties to share a secret key by using coherent states of light and homodyne detection. This can be carried out by employing low-cost and mature technology developed for telecommunications. It has been shown that at short distances, CV-QKD allows for higher bit rates than conventional discrete variable QKD protocols. Furthermore, CV-QKD could potentially be employed to build a link for secure communication between two parties inside a building or campus and potentially in satellite communications. In this work, we will direct efforts into developing a fiber-based, low-cost, robust, and high-bitrate CV-QKD link. The theoretical concepts, specifics of the QKD system subsequently put into practice in the implementation, have been detailed. Finally, interference experiments have been performed parallel to the proof-of-principle QKD system.
An experiment evaluating continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) in an urban environment free-space channel has been accomplished using a single homodyne detector. This is based on Gaussian modulation with coherent states in the polarization degree of freedom. We achieved a QKD distance at 460 m at a repetition rate of 10 kHz. The secure key rate is 0.152 kbps at the typical reconciliation efficiency of 0.95. The experimental setup of this scheme is simplified, and the barrier for implementation has been remarkably reduced compared to that for traditional symmetric modulation protocols, for example, the GG02 protocol proposed in F. Grosshans and P. Grangier [Phys. Rev. Lett. 88, 057902 (2002)]. The influence of the security key rate by asymmetric modulation is small for a relatively low channel loss condition in a free-space environment. This scheme is expected to have significance for future practical applications.
Losses and attenuation are the main limitations to implementing secure quantum networks based on fiber or free-space optical links over long distances. A hybrid satellite–ground approach offers an effective solution to overcome these constraints and achieve higher key transmission rates. This article presents a systematic review of publications on satellite quantum communication, providing an overview of quantum key distribution with satellites, the use of satellite networks with emphasis on commonly adopted orbits, and the role of satellites in such architectures. Special attention is given to the implementation of continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) in satellite-based channels, highlighting its challenges and potential for integration into future satellite-based quantum networks.
Free-space continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) is an important technology that enables all-day quantum key distribution. Precise frame synchronization is a prerequisite for establishing a correlation between legitimate users of CV-QKD. In free-space CV-QKD, channel transmittance fluctuation caused by atmospheric turbulence increases the difficulty of synchronization. Also, as the channel transmittance is monitored in many reported experiments, the transmittance data also needs to be synchronized. We propose a novel method to solve the above problems by inserting two kinds of synchronization frames, i.e., data synchronization frames and transmittance synchronization frames. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed and Monte Carlo simulation is conducted to test its performance. The results demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of this method. The proposed method paves the way for the realization of free-space CV-QKD.