Fast optical source for quantum key distribution based on semiconductor optical amplifiers

Abstract: A novel integrated optical source capable of emitting faint pulses with different polarization states and with different intensity levels at 100 MHz has been developed. The source relies on a single laser diode followed by four semiconductor amplifiers and thin film polarizers, connected through a fiber network. The use of a single laser ensures high-level indistinguishability in time and spectrum of the pulses with the four different polarizations and three different levels of intensity.

The applicability of the source is demonstrated in the lab through a free-space quantum key distribution experiment which makes use of the decoy-state protocol. A lower bound secure key rate of the order of 1.82 Mbps and a quantum bit error ratio as low as 1.14×10−2 and 93 bps for an equivalent attenuation of 35 dB were achieved.

To our knowledge, this is the fastest polarization encoded QKD system which has been reported so far. The performance, reduced size, low power consumption and the fact that the components used can be space qualified make the source particularly suitable for secure satellite communication.

The four bare fibers to the coupling tube are accurately positioned on a custom optomechanical mount to simultaneously achieve the correct launching to the polarizers substrate sheet as well as to introduce a desired 70 dB coupling-loss to work in the single-photon regime at the end of the output bare fiber. Each polarizer is accurately oriented to produce one of four the four polarizations (0°, 90°,45°and −45°) required for BB84 protocol. Finally, the output fiber can be connected to the corresponding optical link interface (e.g. a telescope for free-space communication or optical fiber for terrestrial links).

Experimental measurements

The pulses with different intensities required to implement the decoy state protocol are shown for all the four SOAs, together with the driving signals, loaded with a 50W resistance for monitoring purposes. Notice that the modulation time window of the driving signals is much larger (> 5 ns) than the optical pulse thus minimum distortion is produced.

QKD free-space transmission

The free-space link was emulated in the laboratory by placing different neutral density attenuators along the propagation path from Alice (the source) to Bob (the receiver). We then  measured the rates and performances of the QKD BB84+decoy state protocol using the presented source. In the implementation of the BB84 protocol, only single-photon pulses contribute to the secure key, while in the 3-state decoy state protocol the full range of intensities should be considered.