TY - JOUR
T1 - Quantum key distribution using deterministic single-photon sources over a field-installed fibre link
AU - Zahidy, Mujtaba
AU - Mikkelsen, Mikkel T.
AU - Müller, Ronny
AU - Da Lio, Beatrice
AU - Krehbiel, Martin
AU - Wang, Ying
AU - Bart, Nikolai
AU - Wieck, Andreas D.
AU - Ludwig, Arne
AU - Galili, Michael
AU - Forchhammer, Søren
AU - Lodahl, Peter
AU - Oxenløwe, Leif K.
AU - Bacco, Davide
AU - Midolo, Leonardo
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2024, The Author(s).
PY - 2024/12
Y1 - 2024/12
N2 - Quantum-dot-based single-photon sources are key assets for quantum information technology, supplying on-demand scalable quantum resources for computing and communication. However, long-lasting issues such as limited long-term stability and source brightness have traditionally impeded their adoption in real-world applications. Here, we realize a quantum key distribution field trial using true single photons across an 18-km-long dark fibre, located in the Copenhagen metropolitan area, using an optimized, state-of-the-art, quantum-dot single-photon source frequency-converted to the telecom wavelength. A secret key generation rate of > 2 kbits/s realized over a 9.6 dB channel loss is achieved with a polarization-encoded BB84 scheme, showing remarkable stability for more than 24 hours of continuous operation. Our results highlight the maturity of deterministic single-photon source technology while paving the way for advanced single-photon-based communication protocols, including fully device-independent quantum key distribution, towards the goal of a quantum internet.
AB - Quantum-dot-based single-photon sources are key assets for quantum information technology, supplying on-demand scalable quantum resources for computing and communication. However, long-lasting issues such as limited long-term stability and source brightness have traditionally impeded their adoption in real-world applications. Here, we realize a quantum key distribution field trial using true single photons across an 18-km-long dark fibre, located in the Copenhagen metropolitan area, using an optimized, state-of-the-art, quantum-dot single-photon source frequency-converted to the telecom wavelength. A secret key generation rate of > 2 kbits/s realized over a 9.6 dB channel loss is achieved with a polarization-encoded BB84 scheme, showing remarkable stability for more than 24 hours of continuous operation. Our results highlight the maturity of deterministic single-photon source technology while paving the way for advanced single-photon-based communication protocols, including fully device-independent quantum key distribution, towards the goal of a quantum internet.
U2 - 10.1038/s41534-023-00800-x
DO - 10.1038/s41534-023-00800-x
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85181242890
SN - 2056-6387
VL - 10
JO - npj Quantum Information
JF - npj Quantum Information
IS - 1
M1 - 2
ER -