Search

Information Reconciliation is a critical component of Quantum Key Distribution, ensuring that mismatches between Alice's and Bob's keys are corrected. In this study, we analyze, simulate, optimize, and compare the performance of two prevalent algorithms used for Information Reconciliation: Cascade and LDPC codes in combination with the Blind protocol. We focus on their applicability in practical and industrial settings, operating in realistic and application-close conditions. The results are further validated through evaluation on a live industrial QKD system., Comment: 31 pages, 11 figures

There is mounting evidence that a second quantum revolution based on the technological capabilities to detect and manipulate single quantum particles (e.g., electrons, photons, ions, etc), a feat not achieved during the first quantum revolution, is progressing fast. It is expected that in less than 10 years, this second quantum revolution shall have a significant impact over numerous industries, including finance, medicine, energy, transportation, etc. Quantum computers threaten the status quo of cybersecurity, due to known quantum algorithms that can break asymmetric encryption, which is what gives us the ability to communicate securely using a public channel. Considering the world's dependence on digital communication through data exchange and processing, retaining the ability to communicate securely even once quantum computers come into play, cannot be stressed enough. Two solutions are available: Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC); which, we emphasise, are not mutually exclusive. The EuroQCI initiative, of which EQUO is a part of, focuses on QKD and aims to build a network whereby EU countries can communicate securely through QKD. To this aim, the DEP (Digital Europe Programme) project aims to bring technological matureness to QKD by deploying a QKD test network and, through this exercise, understand what is lacking from an operator's point of view when the time to integrate QKD in their network comes., Comment: IEEE 2024 International Conference on Quantum Communications, Networking, and Computing (QCNC)

Multicore fibres are recently gaining considerable attention in the context of quantum communication tasks, where their capability to transmit multiple quantum states along different cores of the same channel make them a promising candidate for the implementation of scalable quantum networks. Here, we show that multicore fibres can be effectively used not only for the scope of communication but also for the generation of entangled states. By exploiting the formalism of completely positive trace preserving maps, we describe the action of a multicore fibre as a quantum channel and propose a protocol to implement bound entangled states of two qudits. Notably, the presence of crosstalk among the cores of the fibre is fundamental for the generation of such states., Comment: Any comment is welcome!

Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a QKD protocol that uses single-photon interference to perform QKD over long distances. QKD protocols that encode information using high-dimensional quantum states can benefit from increased key rates and higher noise resilience. We define the essence of Twin-Field QKD and explore its generalization to higher dimensions. Further, we show that, ultimately, the Twin-Field protocol cannot be generalized to higher dimensions in accordance with our definition., Comment: 21 pages, 1 figure

In a world where Quantum Networks are rapidly becoming a reality, the development of the Quantum Internet is gaining increasing interest. Nevertheless, modern quantum networks are still in the early stages of development and have limited capacity to distribute resources among different users -- a constraint that needs to be taken into account. In this work we aim to investigate these constraints, using a novel setup for implementing Quantum Random Access Codes (QRACs), communication protocols known for their quantum advantage over their classical counterparts and semi-device-independent self-testing applications. Our QRAC states, made for the first time using weak coherent pulses instead of entangled single photons, allow us to experimentally test our encoding and decoding strategy from the resource allocation perspective. Moreover, by emulating a coexistent classical communication, we test the resilience of our implementation in presence of noise. The achieved results represent a significant milestone both for theoretical studies of quantum resource allocation and for the implementation of quantum infrastructures capable of coexisting with regular telecommunication networks.

Quantum key distribution is one of the first quantum technologies ready for the market. Current quantum telecommunication systems usually utilize a service channel for synchronizing the transmitter (Alice) and the receiver (Bob). However, the possibility of removing this service channel and exploiting a clock recovery method is intriguing for future implementation, both in fiber and free-space links. In this paper, we investigate criteria to recover the clock in a quantum communication scenario, and experimentally demonstrated the possibility of using a quantum-based clock recovery system in a time-bin quantum key distribution protocol. The performance of the clock recovery technique, in terms of quantum bit error rate and secret key rate, is equivalent to using the service channel for clock sharing., Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) are key in advancing quantum technologies for secure communications. They offer inherent stability, low losses and compactness compared to standard fiber-based and free-space systems. Our reasearch demonstrates PIC's effectivness in enhancing quantum communications, implementing a three-state BB84 protocol with decoy-state method. We employ an integrated receiver and superconducting nanowire single photon detectors (SNSPDs) to achieve technological advancements. One of the most notable results is the extraction of a secret key over a record-breaking 45 dB channel attenuation. Our results demonstrate a remarkable 220% boost in key rate compared to our prototype fiber-based receiver over a 10 dB channel attenuation. This improvement in the secret key rate (SKR) signifies the potential of integrated photonics to advance the field of quantum communication.

The Information Reconciliation phase in quantum key distribution has significant impact on the range and throughput of any QKD system. We explore this stage for high-dimensional QKD implementations and introduce two novel methods for reconciliation. The methods are based on nonbinary LDPC codes and the Cascade algorithm, and achieve efficiencies close the the Slepian-Wolf bound on q-ary symmetric channels., Comment: 17 pages, 5 figures. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:2305.08631

Information Reconciliation is an essential part of Quantum Key distribution protocols that closely resembles Slepian-Wolf coding. The application of nonbinary LDPC codes in the Information Reconciliation stage of a high-dimensional discrete-variable Quantum Key Distribution setup is proposed. We model the quantum channel using a $q$-ary symmetric channel over which qudits are sent. Node degree distributions optimized via density evolution for the Quantum Key Distribution setting are presented, and we show that codes constructed using these distributions allow for efficient reconciliation of large-alphabet keys., Comment: 5 pages, 1 figure, submitted to International Symposium on Topics in Coding

Random number generators (RNG) based on quantum mechanics are captivating due to their security and unpredictability compared to conventional generators, such as pseudo-random number generators and hardware-random number generators. This work analyzes evolutions in the extractable amount of randomness with increasing the Hilbert space dimension, state preparation subspace, or measurement subspace in a class of semi-device-independent quantum-RNG, where bounding the states' overlap is the core assumption, built on the prepare-and-measure scheme. We further discuss the effect of these factors on the complexity and draw a conclusion on the optimal scenario. We investigate the generic case of time-bin encoding scheme, define various input (state preparation) and outcome (measurement) subspaces, and discuss the optimal scenarios to obtain maximum entropy. Several input designs were experimentally tested and analyzed for their conceivable outcome arrangements. We evaluated their performance by considering the device's imperfections, particularly the after-pulsing effect and dark counts of the detectors. Finally, we demonstrate that this approach can boost the system entropy, resulting in more extractable randomness., Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures

Nowadays Quantum Key Distribution represents the most mature quantum technology, and multiple countries as well as private institutions are building their quantum network. However, QKD devices are still far from representing a product within everyone's reach. Indeed, limitations in terms of compatibility with existing telecom infrastructure and limited performances in terms of secret key rate, using non-cryogenic detection systems, are still critical. In this work, we implemented a quantum key distribution link between Sicily (Italy) and Malta utilizing two different Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) detectors. The performances of a standard commercial SPAD have been compared with the results achieved with a new prototype of fast-gated System in a Package (SiP) SPAD; the SiP detector has shown to be able to accomplish a fourteen times higher key rate compared with the commercial device over the channel showing 20 dB of losses.

Quantum-dot-based single-photon sources are key assets for quantum information technology, supplying on-demand scalable quantum resources for computing and communication. However, longlasting 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., Comment: 9 pages, 4 figures. Minor edits

Efficient generation of single photons is one of the key challenges of building photonic quantum technology, such as quantum computers and long-distance quantum networks. Photon source multiplexing -- where successful pair generation is heralded by the detection of one of the photons, and its partner is routed to a single mode output -- has long been known to offer a concrete solution, with output probability tending toward unity as loss is reduced. Here, we present a temporally multiplexed integrated single photon source based on a silicon waveguide and a low-loss fibre switch and loop architecture, which achieves enhancement of the single photon output probability of $4.5 \pm 0.5$, while retaining $g^{(2)}(0) = 0.01$.

Quantum technology is poised to enable a step change in human capability for computing, communications and sensing. Photons are indispensable as carriers of quantum information - they travel at the fastest possible speed and readily protected from decoherence. However, the system requires thousands of near-transparent components with ultra-low-latency control. For quantum technology to be implemented, a new paradigm photonic system is required: one with in-built coherence, stability, the ability to define arbitrary circuits, and a path to manufacturability. Silicon photonics has unparalleled density and component performance, which, with CMOS compatible fabrication, place it in a strong position for a scalable quantum photonics platform. This paper is a progress report on silicon quantum photonics, focused on developments in the past five years. We provide an introduction on silicon quantum photonic component and the challenges in the field, summarise the current state-of-the-art and identify outstanding technical challenges, as well as promising avenues of future research. We also resolve a conflict in the definition of Hong-Ou-Mandel interference visibility in integrated quantum photonic experiments, needed for fair comparison of photon quality across different platforms. Our aim is the development of scalability on the platform, to which end we point the way to ever-closer integration, toward silicon quantum photonic systems-on-a-chip.

Around forty years have passed since the first pioneering works have introduced the possibility of using quantum physics to strongly enhance communications safety. Nowadays Quantum Cryptography, and in particular, Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) exited the physics laboratories to become commercial technologies that increasingly trigger the attention of States, military forces, banks, and private corporations. This work takes on the challenge of bringing QKD closer to a consumer technology: optical fibers deployed and used by telecommunication companies of different States have been used to realize a quantum network, the first-ever connecting three different countries. This pushes towards the necessary coexistence of QKD and classical communications on the same infrastructure, which currently represents a main limit of this technology. Our network connects Trieste to Rijeka and Ljubljana via a trusted node in Postojna; a key rate of over 3 kbps has been achieved in the shortest link, and a 7-hour long measurement has demonstrated the system stability and reliability. Finally, the network has been used for a public demonstration of QKD at the G20 Digital Ministers' Meeting in Trieste. The reported experimental results, together with the significant interest that one of the most important events of international politics has attracted, showcase the maturity of the QKD technology bundle, placing it in the spotlight for consumer applications in the near term., Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) allows the distribution of cryptographic keys between multiple users in an information-theoretic secure way, exploiting quantum physics. While current QKD systems are mainly based on attenuated laser pulses, deterministic single-photon sources could give concrete advantages in terms of secret key rate (SKR) and security owing to the negligible probability of multi-photon events. Here, we introduce and demonstrate a proof-of-concept QKD system exploiting a molecule-based single-photon source operating at room temperature and emitting at 785nm. With an estimated SKR of 0.5 Mbps, our solution paves the way for room-temperature single-photon sources for quantum communication protocols., Comment: 15 pages 5 figures

Genuine random numbers can be produced beyond a shadow of doubt through the intrinsic randomness provided by quantum mechanics theory. While many degrees of freedom have been investigated for randomness generation, not adequate attention has been paid to the orbital angular momentum of light. In this work, we present a quantum random number generator based on the intrinsic randomness inherited from the superposition of orbital angular momentum modes caused by the crosstalk inside a ring-core fiber. We studied two possible cases: a first one, device-dependent, where the system is trusted, and a second one, semi-device-independent, where the adversary can control the measurements. We experimentally realized the former, extracted randomness, and, after privacy amplification, we achieved a generation rate higher than 10 Mbit/s. In addition, we presented a possible realization of the semi-device-independent protocol, using a newly introduced integrated silicon photonic chip. Our work can be considered as a starting point for novel investigations of quantum random number generators based on the orbital angular momentum of light., Comment: 5 pages, 6 figures

Light carrying orbital angular momentum constitutes an important resource for both classical and quantum information technologies. Its inherently unbounded nature can be exploited to generate high-dimensional quantum states or for channel multiplexing in classical and quantum communication in order to significantly boost the data capacity and the secret key rate, respectively. While the big potentials of light owning orbital angular momentum have been widely ascertained, its technological deployment is still limited by the difficulties deriving from the fabrication of integrated and scalable photonic devices able to generate and manipulate it. Here, we present a photonic integrated chip able to excite orbital angular momentum modes in an 800 m long ring-core fiber, allowing us to perform parallel quantum key distribution using 2 and 3 different modes simultaneously. The experiment sets the first steps towards quantum orbital angular momentum division multiplexing enabled by a compact and light-weight silicon chip, and further pushes the development of integrated scalable devices supporting orbital angular momentum modes., Comment: 5 pages main text, 5 figures

Quantum key distribution (QKD), the distribution of quantum secured keys useful for data encryption, is expected to have a crucial impact in the next decades. However, although the notable achievements accomplished in the last twenty years, many practical and serious challenges are limiting the full deployment of this novel quantum technology in the current telecommunication infrastructures. In particular, the co-propagation of quantum signals and high-speed data traffic within the same optical fiber, is not completely resolved, due to the intrinsic noise caused by the high intensity of the classical signals. As a consequence, current co-propagation schemes limit the amount of classical optical power in order to reduce the overall link noise. However, this ad-hoc solution restrains the overall range of possibilities for a large-scale QKD deployment. Here, we propose and demonstrate a new method, based on up-conversion assisted receiver, for co-propagating classical light and QKD signals. In addition, we compare the performances of this scheme with an off-the-shelf quantum receiver, equipped with a standard InGaAs detector, over different lengths of an installed fiber link. Our proposal exhibits higher tolerance for noise in comparison to the standard receiver, thus enabling the distribution of secret keys in the condition of 4 dB-higher classical power., Comment: 13 figures

A Quantum Internet, i.e., a global interconnection of quantum devices, is the long term goal of quantum communications, and has so far been based on two-dimensional systems (qubits). Recent years have seen a significant development of high-dimensional quantum systems (qudits). While qudits present higher photon information efficiency and robustness to noise, their use in quantum networks present experimental challenges due to the impractical resources required in high-dimensional quantum repeaters. Here, we show that such challenges can be met via the use of standard quantum optical resources, such as weak coherent states or weak squeezed states, and linear optics. We report a concrete design and simulations of an entanglement swapping scheme for three and four dimensional systems, showing how the network parameters can be tuned to optimize secret key rates and analysing the enhanced noise robustness at different dimensions. Our work significantly simplifies the implementation of high-dimensional quantum networks, fostering their development with current technology., Comment: 7 pages, 4 figures

Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the establishment of common cryptographic keys among distant parties. Many of the QKD protocols that were introduced in the past involve the challenge of monitoring the signal disturbance over the communication line, in order to evaluate the information leakage to a potential eavesdropper. Recently, a QKD protocol that circumvents the need for monitoring signal disturbance, has been proposed and demonstrated in initial experiments. Here, we propose a new version of this so-called round-robin differential phase-shifting (RRDPS) protocol, in which both time and phase degrees-of-freedom are utilized to enlarge the Hilbert space dimensionality, without increasing experimental complexity or relaxing security assumptions. We derive the security proofs of the round-robin differential phase-time-shifting (RRDPTS) protocol in the collective attack scenario and benchmark the new protocol against RRDPS for different experimental parameters. Furthermore, a proof-of-concept experiment of the RRDPTS protocol, using weak coherent pulses and decoy-state method, is demonstrated over 80 km of fiber link. Our results show that the RRDPTS protocol can achieve higher secret key rate in comparison with the RRDPS, in the condition of high quantum bit error rate., Comment: 13 pages, 5 figures

Multicore fibers are expected to be a game-changer in the coming decades thanks to their intrinsic properties, allowing a larger transmission bandwidth and a lower footprint in optical communications. In addition, multicore fibers have recently been explored for quantum communication, attesting their uniqueness in transporting high-dimensional quantum states. However, investigations and experiments reported in literature have been carried out in research laboratories, typically making use of short fiber links in controlled environments. Thus, the possibility of using long distance multicore fibers for quantum applications is still to be proven. We here characterize for the first time, in terms of phase stability, multiple strands of a 4-core multicore fiber installed underground in the city of L'Aquila, with an overall fiber length up to about 25 km. In this preliminary study, we investigate the possibility of using such an infrastructure to implement quantum-enhanced schemes, such as high-dimensional quantum key distribution, quantum-based environmental sensors, and more in general quantum communication protocols., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures

Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols based on high-dimensional quantum states have shown the route to increase the key rate generation while benefiting of enhanced error tolerance, thus overcoming the limitations of two-dimensional QKD protocols. Nonetheless, the reliable transmission through fiber links of high-dimensional quantum states remains an open challenge that must be addressed to boost their application. Here, we demonstrate the reliable transmission over a 2 km long multicore fiber of path-encoded high-dimensional quantum states. Leveraging on a phase-locked loop system, a stable interferometric detection is guaranteed, allowing for low error rates and the generation of 6.3 Mbit/s of secret key rate., Comment: to appear in npj Quantum Information

General purpose quantum computers can, in principle, entangle a number of noisy physical qubits to realise composite qubits protected against errors. Architectures for measurement-based quantum computing intrinsically support error-protected qubits and are the most viable approach for constructing an all-photonic quantum computer. Here we propose and demonstrate an integrated silicon photonic architecture that both entangles multiple photons, and encodes multiple physical qubits on individual photons, to produce error-protected qubits. We realise reconfigurable graph states to compare several schemes with and without error-correction encodings and implement a range of quantum information processing tasks. We observe a success rate increase from 62.5% to 95.8% when running a phase estimation algorithm without and with error protection, respectively. Finally, we realise hypergraph states, which are a generalised class of resource states that offer protection against correlated errors. Our results show how quantum error-correction encodings can be implemented with resource-efficient photonic architectures to improve the performance of quantum algorithms.

High-dimensional quantum states have already settled their advantages in different quantum technology applications. However, their reliable transmission in fiber links remains an open challenge that must be addressed to boost their application, e.g. in the future quantum internet. Here, we prove how path encoded high-dimensional quantum states can be reliably transmitted over a 2 km long multicore fiber, taking advantage of a phase-locked loop system guaranteeing a stable interferometric detection.

Exploiting semiconductor fabrication techniques, natural carriers of quantum information such as atoms, electrons, and photons can be embedded in scalable integrated devices. Integrated optics provides a versatile platform for large-scale quantum information processing and transceiving with photons. Scaling up the integrated devices for quantum applications requires highperformance single-photon generation and photonic qubit-qubit entangling operations. However, previous demonstrations report major challenges in producing multiple bright, pure and identical single-photons, and entangling multiple photonic qubits with high fidelity. Another notable challenge is to noiselessly interface multiphoton sources and multiqubit operators in a single device. Here we demonstrate on-chip genuine multipartite entanglement and quantum teleportation in silicon, by coherently controlling an integrated network of microresonator nonlinear single-photon sources and linear-optic multiqubit entangling circuits. The microresonators are engineered to locally enhance the nonlinearity, producing multiple frequencyuncorrelated and indistinguishable single-photons, without requiring any spectral filtering. The multiqubit states are processed in a programmable linear circuit facilitating Bell-projection and fusion operation in a measurement-based manner. We benchmark key functionalities, such as intra-/inter-chip teleportation of quantum states, and generation of four-photon Greenberger-HorneZeilinger entangled states. The production, control, and transceiving of states are all achieved in micrometer-scale silicon chips, fabricated by complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor processes. Our work lays the groundwork for scalable on-chip multiphoton technologies for quantum computing and communication.

During the last 20 years, the advance of communication technologies has generated multiple exciting applications. However, classical cryptography, commonly adopted to secure current communication systems, can be jeopardized by the advent of quantum computers. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a promising technology aiming to solve such a security problem. Unfortunately, current implementations of QKD systems show relatively low key rates, demand low channel noise and use ad hoc devices. In this work, we picture how to overcome the rate limitation by using a 37-core fibre to generate 2.86 Mbit/s per core that can be space multiplexed into the highest secret key rate of 105.7 Mbit/s to date. We also demonstrate, with off-the-shelf equipment, the robustness of the system by co-propagating a classical signal at 370 Gbit/s, paving the way for a shared quantum and classical communication network.

In recent years, there has been a rising interest in high-dimensional quantum states and their impact on quantum communication. Indeed, the availability of an enlarged Hilbert space offers multiple advantages, from larger information capacity and increased noise resilience, to novel fundamental research possibilities in quantum physics. Multiple photonic degrees of freedom have been explored to generate high-dimensional quantum states, both with bulk optics and integrated photonics. Furthermore, these quantum states have been propagated through various channels, \textit{e.g.} free-space links, single-mode, multicore, and multimode fibers and also aquatic channels, experimentally demonstrating the theoretical advantages over two-dimensional systems. Here, we review the state of the art on the generation, the propagation and the detection of high-dimensional quantum states.

In-field demonstrations in real-world scenarios boost the development of a rising technology towards its integration in existing infrastructures. Although quantum key distribution (QKD) devices are already adopted outside the laboratories, current field implementations still suffer from high costs and low performances, preventing this emerging technology from a large-scale deployment in telecommunication networks. Here we present a simple, practical and efficient QKD scheme with finite-key analysis, performed over a 21 dB-losses fiber link installed in the metropolitan area of Florence (Italy). Coexistence of quantum and weak classical communication is also demonstrated by transmitting an optical synchronization signal through the same fiber link., Comment: 6 pages, 6 figures

Entanglement distribution between distant parties is one of the most important and challenging tasks in quantum communication. Distribution of photonic entangled states using optical fiber links is a fundamental building block towards quantum networks. Among the different degrees of freedom, orbital angular momentum (OAM) is one of the most promising due to its natural capability to encode high dimensional quantum states. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate fiber distribution of hybrid polarization-vector vortex entangled photon pairs. To this end, we exploit a recently developed air-core fiber which supports OAM modes. High fidelity distribution of the entangled states is demonstrated by performing quantum state tomography in the polarization-OAM Hilbert space after fiber propagation, and by violations of Bell inequalities and multipartite entanglement tests. The present results open new scenarios for quantum applications where correlated complex states can be transmitted by exploiting the vectorial nature of light.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a promising technology aiming at solving the security problem arising from the advent of quantum computers. While the main theoretical aspects are well developed today, limited performances, in terms of achievable link distance and secret key rate, are preventing the deployment of this technology on a large scale. More recent QKD protocols, which use multiple degrees of freedom for the encoding of the quantum states, allow an enhancement of the system performances. Here, we present the experimental demonstration of the differential phase-time shifting protocol (DPTS) up to 170 km of fiber link. We compare its performance with the well-known coherent one-way (COW) and the differential phase shifting (DPS) protocols, demonstrating a higher secret key rate up to 100 km. Moreover, we propagate a classical signal in the same fiber, proving the compatibility of quantum and classical light., Comment: 5 pages, 3 figures, journal paper

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides ultimate cryptographic security based on the laws of quantum mechanics. For point-to-point QKD protocols, the security of the generated key is compromised by detector side channel attacks. This problem can be solved with measurement device independent QKD (mdi-QKD). However, mdi-QKD has shown limited performances in terms of the secret key generation rate, due to post-selection in the Bell measurements. We show that high dimensional (Hi-D) encoding (qudits) improves the performance of current mdi-QKD implementations. The scheme is proven to be unconditionally secure even for weak coherent pulses with decoy states, while the secret key rate is derived in the single photon case. Our analysis includes phase errors, imperfect sources and dark counts to mimic real systems. Compared to the standard bidimensional case, we show an improvement in the key generation rate., Comment: 6 pages, 3 figures

Quantum networks are the ultimate target in quantum communication, where many connected users can share information carried by quantum systems. The keystones of such structures are the reliable generation, transmission and manipulation of quantum states. Two-dimensional quantum states, qubits, are steadily adopted as information units. However, high-dimensional quantum states, qudits, constitute a richer resource for future quantum networks, exceeding the limitations imposed by the ubiquitous qubits. The generation and manipulation of such $D$-level systems have been improved over the last ten years, but their reliable transmission between remote locations remains the main challenge. Here, we show how a recent air-core fiber supporting orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes can be exploited to faithfully transmit $D$-dimensional states. Four OAM quantum states and their superpositions are created, propagated in a 1.2 km long fiber and detected with high fidelities. In addition, three quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols are implemented as concrete applications to assert the practicality of our results. This experiment enhances the distribution of high-dimensional quantum states, attesting the orbital angular momentum as vessel for the future quantum network.

The ability to control multidimensional quantum systems is key for the investigation of fundamental science and for the development of advanced quantum technologies. Here we demonstrate a multidimensional integrated quantum photonic platform able to robustly generate, control and analyze high-dimensional entanglement. We realize a programmable bipartite entangled system with dimension up to $15 \times 15$ on a large-scale silicon-photonics quantum circuit. The device integrates more than 550 photonic components on a single chip, including 16 identical photon-pair sources. We verify the high precision, generality and controllability of our multidimensional technology, and further exploit these abilities to demonstrate key quantum applications experimentally unexplored before, such as quantum randomness expansion and self-testing on multidimensional states. Our work provides a prominent experimental platform for the development of multidimensional quantum technologies., Comment: Science, (2018)

Quantum cryptography is set to become a key technology for future secure communications. However, to get maximum benefit in communication networks, transmission links will need to be shared among several quantum keys for several independent users. Such links will enable switching in quantum network nodes of the quantum keys to their respective destinations. In this paper we present an experimental demonstration of a photonic integrated silicon chip quantum key distribution protocols based on space division multiplexing (SDM), through multicore fiber technology. Parallel and independent quantum keys are obtained, which are useful in crypto-systems and future quantum network.

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) provides an efficient means to exchange information in an unconditionally secure way. Historically, QKD protocols have been based on binary signal formats, such as two polarisation states, and the transmitted information efficiency of the quantum key is intrinsically limited to 1 bit/photon. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate, for the first time, a high-dimensional QKD protocol based on space division multiplexing in multicore fiber using silicon photonic integrated lightwave circuits. We successfully realized three mutually unbiased bases in a four-dimensional Hilbert space, and achieved low and stable quantum bit error rate well below both coherent attack and individual attack limits. Compared to previous demonstrations, the use of a multicore fiber in our protocol provides a much more efficient way to create high-dimensional quantum states, and enables breaking the information efficiency limit of traditional QKD protocols. In addition, the silicon photonic circuits used in our work integrate variable optical attenuators, highly efficient multicore fiber couplers, and Mach-Zehnder interferometers, enabling manipulating high-dimensional quantum states in a compact and stable means. Our demonstration pave the way to utilize state-of-the-art multicore fibers for long distance high-dimensional QKD, and boost silicon photonics for high information efficiency quantum communications., Comment: Please see the complementary work arXiv:1610.01682 (2016)

Quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum communication enable the secure exchange of information between remote parties. Currently, the distributed-phase-reference (DPR) protocols, which are based on weak coherent pulses, are among the most practical solutions for long-range QKD. During the last 10 years, long-distance fiber-based DPR systems have been successfully demonstrated, although fundamental obstacles such as intrinsic channel losses limit their performance. Here, we introduce the first two-dimensional DPR-QKD protocol in which information is encoded in the time and phase of weak coherent pulses. The ability of extracting two bits of information per detection event, enables a higher secret key rate in specific realistic network scenarios. Moreover, despite the use of more dimensions, the proposed protocol remains simple, practical, and fully integrable., Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures

Extending the single photon transmission distance is a basic requirement for the implementation of quantum communication on a global scale. In this work we report the single photon exchange from a medium Earth orbit satellite (MEO) at more than 7000 km of slanted distance to the ground station at the Matera Laser Ranging Observatory. The single photon transmitter was realized by exploiting the corner cube retro-reflectors mounted on the LAGEOS-2 satellite. Long duration of data collection is possible with such altitude, up to 43 minutes in a single passage. The mean number of photons per pulse ({\mu}sat) has been limited to 1 for 200 seconds, resulting in an average detection rate of 3.0 cps and a signal to noise ratio of 1.5. The feasibility of single photon exchange from MEO satellites paves the way to tests of Quantum Mechanics in moving frames and to global Quantum Information., Comment: 5 pages, updated version