TY - JOUR
AU - Shields, A. J.
AB - Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers the highest possible levels of communication secrecy. Using the laws of quantum mechanics, QKD protocols allow two distant parties to establish symmetric encryption keys that can be proven information theoretically secure. In order to make this technology accessible to a wide range of sectors, it is essential to address the questions of cost, volume production and compatibility with standard Telecom/Datacom infrastructures. While over the last few years, a number of works were devoted to the demonstration of photonic integrated circuits for quantum communications, a practical solution to interface these chips in a complete system remained an elusive goal. We review our efforts in integrating the core optical functions of quantum key distribution onto quantum photonic chips and in demonstrating the first standalone photonic integrated QKD system. Our approach tackles various system integration challenges related to packaging, optoelectronic design and power consumption. The quantum hardware is assembled in pluggable interconnects that guarantee efficient thermal management and forward compatibility of a same host electronics with successive generations of chips. Autonomous operation and long-term stability are demonstrated in realistic operation conditions. Our work offers new pathways for practical implementations of QKD and its viable deployment at large scales.
TI - Engineering quantum secure communication systems with photonic integrated circuits
JF - Proceedings of SPIE
DO - 10.1117/12.2656153
DA - 2023-01-11
UR - https://www.deepdyve.com/lp/spie/engineering-quantum-secure-communication-systems-with-photonic-vCkPfv0zyr
SP - 123350D
EP - 123350D-4
VL - 12335
IS - 
DP - DeepDyve
ER -