On-chip quantum key distribution over field-deployed fiber using lithium niobate photonic circuit

Quantum key distribution (QKD) systems have proven their theoretically unconditional security by quantum mechanics, but the scalability and cost barriers limit the rapid growth of the QKD system industry. The integration of QKD systems on chips has enabled their widespread adoption in secure quantum communication technologies, but the optimized platforms and designs are still being studied. Herein, we fabricated monolithic quantum photonic circuits for the BB84 QKD protocol using thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), which enables flexible design in organizing both active and passive elements on one chip based on its superior material properties. The proposed circuit design for both transmitter and receiver parts are identical, which facilitates stable operation and mass production. Using our device, we demonstrated QKD over a field-deployed quantum channel, and its performance is comparable to state-of-the-art. This result proved the potential of TFLN for quantum communication technology.

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Publication Details

Journal
APL Photonics
Published
2025-03-01
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0223694
Citations
6
Primary Topic
Photonic and Optical Devices
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
4.38

Funders

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On-chip quantum key distribution over field-deployed fiber using lithium niobate photonic circuit

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APL Photonics
Photonic and Optical Devices
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On-chip quantum key distribution over field-deployed fiber using lithium niobate photonic circuit

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article en
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Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) systems have proven their theoretically unconditional security by quantum mechanics, but the scalability and cost barriers limit the rapid growth of the QKD system industry. The integration of QKD systems on chips has enabled their widespread adoption in secure quantum communication technologies, but the optimized platforms and designs are still being studied. Herein, we fabricated monolithic quantum photonic circuits for the BB84 QKD protocol using thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN), which enables flexible design in organizing both active and passive elements on one chip based on its superior material properties. The proposed circuit design for both transmitter and receiver parts are identical, which facilitates stable operation and mass production. Using our device, we demonstrated QKD over a field-deployed quantum channel, and its performance is comparable to state-of-the-art. This result proved the potential of TFLN for quantum communication technology.

APL PhotonicsVol. 10(3)
Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Ajou University (KR), Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Korea University of Science and Technology (KR)
Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, National Research Foundation of Korea, National Research Council of Science and Technology, Commercializations Promotion Agency for R and D Outcomes, Institute for Information and Communications Technology Promotion
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Photonic and Optical Devices
4.38
DOIOpen Access PDFOpenAlex
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