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Towards a Versatile Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution Transceiver for Reconfigurable Networks

Tommaso Bertapelle, Thomas Liege, Alexis Rosio, Giuseppe Vallone, Eleni Diamanti, Paolo Villoresi, Marco Avesani, Yoann Piétri

Published Jun 15, 2026• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

This study presents a CV-QKD architecture integrating a coherent receiver at the transmitter, enabling secure quantum randomness generation and in-line estimation of key parameters for secret-key-rate computation, advancing the deployment over existing telecom networks.

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Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure secret key exchange with information-theoretic security by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics. Continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD), which utilizes coherent states and coherent detection, has gained attention as a promising approach due to its seamless integration with existing telecommunications networks. CV-QKD systems, which are built with standard telecommunication components, open the door—through photonic integration technology—to the development of devices that are more affordable, compact, and energy efficient. This paper reviews the current state of the art and highlights our recent progress toward fully integrated CV-QKD systems.
We present a versatile transmitter capable of performing both discrete variable and continuous variable quantum key distribution protocols (DV-QKD and CV-QKD, respectively). Using this transmitter, we implement a time-bin encoded BB84 DV-QKD protocol over a physical quantum channel of 47 km and a GG02 CV-QKD protocol with true local oscillator over a 10.5 km channel, achieving secret key rates of 4.1 kbps and 1 Mbps for DV- and CV-QKD, respectively. The reported transmitter scheme is particularly suitable for re-configurable optical networks where the QKD protocol is selected to optimize the performance according to the parameters of the links.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) enables secure communication over standard telecom infrastructure, but scaling is stalled by bulky, discrete optical hardware. We address this bottleneck by demonstrating a real-time CV-QKD system driven by a chip-scale hybrid transmitter using commercial telecom components. Combining a micro-optic external-cavity laser with a monolithic photonic integrated IQ modulator, we enable secure secret-key generation over 102 km of optical fiber while reducing optical volume by 95% relative to the commercial discrete-component counterpart. Moreover, real-time operation overcomes the offline post-processing bottlenecks of experimental setups. This work bridges laboratory demonstrations and field-deployable technology for cost-effective quantum networks.
Continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) enables secure communication over standard telecom infrastructure, but scaling is stalled by bulky, discrete optical hardware. We address this bottleneck by demonstrating a real-time CV-QKD system driven by a chip-scale hybrid transmitter using commercial telecom components. Combining a micro-optic external-cavity laser with a monolithic photonic integrated IQ modulator we enable secure secret-key generation over 102 km of optical fiber while reducing optical volume by 95% relative to the commercial discrete-component counterpart. Moreover, real-time operation overcomes offline post-processing bottlenecks of experimental setups. This work bridges laboratory demonstrations and field-deployable technology for cost-effective quantum networks.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a quantum communication technology that offers absolute security. Among its various implementations, continuous-variable (CV) QKD has garnered significant attention due to its high secret key generation rates and compatibility with conventional optical telecommunication infrastructure, which operates under ambient conditions. However, chip-based integration is crucial for realizing practical and scalable CV-QKD networks, and photonic integrated circuit technology is a potential solution, leveraging the on-chip integration of essential optical components onto silicon photonic circuits. Therefore, this work presents a compact, stable, and cost-effective quantum photonic CV-QKD system on a chip. Our architecture combines time- and polarization-multiplexing with high-extinction-ratio pulse generation to mitigate excess noise. At the same time, a real-time feedback control mechanism compensates for polarization drift, ensuring robust system performance. Fiber-based evaluations reveal secret key generation rates of 2.55 Mbps over 25 km and 0.737 Mbps over 50 km with 12 h stable operation, establishing, to our knowledge, a new benchmark for integrated photonic CV-QKD systems with both the transmitter and receiver on-chip. These results mark a significant milestone in on-chip quantum communication, paving the way for widespread adoption of photonic integrated circuits in future metropolitan quantum-secure networks.