We constructed a fast-data-encoding quantum cryptographic system using integrated-optic interferometers based on planar lightwave circuit technology, and confirmed its operation and stability. Experimental results show that our system is useful for implementing a practical four-state quantum key distribution system.
To launch quantum key distribution (QKD) into the commercial market, it is important to develop a system that is simpler and more reliable using current technology. This report proposes quantum encoders and decoders using a passive planar lightwave circuit (PLC) that is useful for implementing optical-fiber-based QKD systems. Our encoders and decoders are based on an asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer and allow us to prepare and analyze various photonic time-bin qubits reliably. The system can be stable and polarization-insensitive merely by stabilizing and controlling the device temperature. Our PLC-based devices enables us to simplify the QKD system and increase its reliability.
Silica-based planar lightwave circuit (PLC) devices can offer great potential for quantum key distribution (QKD) with the benefits of low-loss, low-cost, large-scale integration, miniaturization, stability and mass production. A quantum decoding integrated chip for QKD based on silica PLC technology was demonstrated, which consists of a variable optical splitter (VOS), an asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer (AMZI) with a thermo-optic phase modulator (TOPM) and a delay line (DL) whose delay time is 400ps, and a variable directional coupler (VDC). The balanced pulsepairs of double channels with measured delay times of 396ps and 398ps respectively were obtained in the conditions of both classical optics and single-photon transmissions. The chip has advantageous to achieve high interference visibilities of double channels simultaneously for BB84 phase and time-bin protocols.
Many improvements are required to bring quantum key distribution (QKD) from the laboratory to the commercial market, such as simplifying structure and enhancing stability. In this letter, a QKD module based on planar lightwave circuit (PLC) has been proposed. The chip inside module is based on silica-silicon material and composed of various optical splitter, asymmetric Mach–Zehnder interferometer and directional coupler. The module can allow users adjust temperature stably. The interference visibility can be high to 96% merely by controlling and stabilizing temperature and voltage of the module through self-interfering method which showed its potential in practical application.
We developed a high-speed quantum key distribution (QKD) system integrated with a compact self-developed silica-based planar lightwave circuit chip and a micro-optics-based polarization module. Also, we demonstrated that our system can generate average secure keys at the rate of 701.22 kbps over a free-space link of 275 m in daylight by using effective noise filtering systems in the temporal, spectral, and spatial domains. Real-time beam tracking system was adopted to stabilize the fluctuation of the beam position.