Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution
Abstract Time-bin encoding is a robust method for implementing quantum key distribution (QKD) on optical fiber channels, minimizing drift-induced errors. However, interferometric structures make achieving stable and low intrinsic Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) challenging. A key device for decoy-stat...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Nature Portfolio
2025-02-01
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| Series: | npj Quantum Information |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-024-00923-9 |
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| _version_ | 1823861722992082944 |
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| author | Davide Scalcon Elisa Bazzani Giuseppe Vallone Paolo Villoresi Marco Avesani |
| author_facet | Davide Scalcon Elisa Bazzani Giuseppe Vallone Paolo Villoresi Marco Avesani |
| author_sort | Davide Scalcon |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Time-bin encoding is a robust method for implementing quantum key distribution (QKD) on optical fiber channels, minimizing drift-induced errors. However, interferometric structures make achieving stable and low intrinsic Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) challenging. A key device for decoy-state QKD is the state encoder, which must produce low-error, stable states with varying photon mean values. Here, we introduce the MacZac (Mach-Zehnder-Sagnac), a time-bin encoder with ultra-low QBER (<2 × 10−5) and high stability. Based on nested Sagnac and Mach-Zehnder interferometers, it uses a single phase modulator for both decoy and state preparation, simplifying the optical setup. The encoder requires no active compensation and can generate states of arbitrary dimension. We experimentally tested it as a standalone component and in a QKD experiment. With its low QBER, stability, and simplicity, this device is a key building block for high-performance, low-cost QKD systems. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-612711bf540840169b0ba02d83c115d0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2056-6387 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | Nature Portfolio |
| record_format | Article |
| series | npj Quantum Information |
| spelling | doaj-art-612711bf540840169b0ba02d83c115d02025-02-09T12:49:02ZengNature Portfolionpj Quantum Information2056-63872025-02-0111111010.1038/s41534-024-00923-9Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distributionDavide Scalcon0Elisa Bazzani1Giuseppe Vallone2Paolo Villoresi3Marco Avesani4Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Degli Studi Di PadovaDipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Degli Studi Di PadovaDipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Degli Studi Di PadovaDipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Degli Studi Di PadovaDipartimento di Ingegneria dell’Informazione, Università Degli Studi Di PadovaAbstract Time-bin encoding is a robust method for implementing quantum key distribution (QKD) on optical fiber channels, minimizing drift-induced errors. However, interferometric structures make achieving stable and low intrinsic Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) challenging. A key device for decoy-state QKD is the state encoder, which must produce low-error, stable states with varying photon mean values. Here, we introduce the MacZac (Mach-Zehnder-Sagnac), a time-bin encoder with ultra-low QBER (<2 × 10−5) and high stability. Based on nested Sagnac and Mach-Zehnder interferometers, it uses a single phase modulator for both decoy and state preparation, simplifying the optical setup. The encoder requires no active compensation and can generate states of arbitrary dimension. We experimentally tested it as a standalone component and in a QKD experiment. With its low QBER, stability, and simplicity, this device is a key building block for high-performance, low-cost QKD systems.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-024-00923-9 |
| spellingShingle | Davide Scalcon Elisa Bazzani Giuseppe Vallone Paolo Villoresi Marco Avesani Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution npj Quantum Information |
| title | Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| title_full | Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| title_fullStr | Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| title_full_unstemmed | Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| title_short | Low-error encoder for time-bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| title_sort | low error encoder for time bin and decoy states for quantum key distribution |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41534-024-00923-9 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT davidescalcon lowerrorencoderfortimebinanddecoystatesforquantumkeydistribution AT elisabazzani lowerrorencoderfortimebinanddecoystatesforquantumkeydistribution AT giuseppevallone lowerrorencoderfortimebinanddecoystatesforquantumkeydistribution AT paolovilloresi lowerrorencoderfortimebinanddecoystatesforquantumkeydistribution AT marcoavesani lowerrorencoderfortimebinanddecoystatesforquantumkeydistribution |