Implementation of a hybrid SiPM receiver for applications to continuous-variable quantum key distribution with binary modulation

In quantum communication protocols, the use of hybrid devices, giving access to both particle- and wave-like properties of light, could open new perspectives for novel encoding procedures that merge the properties of discrete and continuous variables. In our work, we explore the context of continuous-variable quantum key distribution with binary modulated coherent states over a pure-loss channel with a Silicon-photomultiplier-based hybrid receiver. In particular, we investigate how the key generation rate behaves as a function of the losses affecting the coherent states and the number of data used to send them both in the case of individual and collective attacks. The obtained outcomes encourage the further exploitation of this hybrid receiver in extended networks.