Highly stable chip-based variable optical attenuation for continuous-variable quantum key distribution
Xuesong Xu, Yiming Bian, Yang Li +7 more
Conventional continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems typically rely on discrete optical components, which have limited integration, are bulky and expensive. To overcome these drawbacks, photonic integrated circuit technology is a viable alternative that promises to increase the system integration. However, variable optical attenuators compatible with established photonic integration processes have stability difficulties that limit the performance of the system. This work provides a chip-based variable optical attenuator based on Mach-Zehnder interferometer structure. By using an unbalanced interferometer arm, the sensitivity of the optical attenuation coefficient to environmental fluctuations can be reduced, ensuring the high-precision control required for continuous-variable quantum key distribution systems. Our scheme will facilitate the implementation of a reliable and highly stable chip-based continuous-variable quantum key distribution system.
Tenth International Conference on Information Optics and Photonics•Dec 5, 2024•0 citations