Optimizing path-polarization interconversion on a photonic circuit for secure quantum communication

In this work, we consider an on-chip silicon device that prepares photonic qubits in mutually unbiased bases (MUBs), which can be used to realize quantum key distribution protocols. We present a realistic approach to dealing with generic imperfections in on-chip devices for generating MUBs, in particular, imperfections originating from fabrication. We show how to control the conversion of path to polarization qubits for sending MUBs, and conversely from polarization to path qubits when receiving them: we identify the so-called tilt angle at the conversion station as the parameter to control and improve the preparation of MUBs. We investigate the optimization of a tilt angle for various figures of merit, such as fidelities of MUBs, photon losses, and secret key rates in a practical realization. Our results suggest a realistic, cost-effective strategy for exploiting chip-based fiber-optic quantum communication.

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Publication Details

Journal
EPJ Quantum Technology
Published
2026-07-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-026-00542-7
Primary Topic
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Optimizing path-polarization interconversion on a photonic circuit for secure quantum communication

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EPJ Quantum Technology
Quantum Information and Cryptography
article

Optimizing path-polarization interconversion on a photonic circuit for secure quantum communication

Joonwoo Bae, Minchul Kim, Jong-Bum You, Wook‐Jae Lee, Kyongchun Lim, Chun Ju Youn, Jeongho Bang, Young‐Ho Ko, Joong‐Seon Choe, Kap-Joong Kim, Byung-Seok Choi
article en

Abstract

In this work, we consider an on-chip silicon device that prepares photonic qubits in mutually unbiased bases (MUBs), which can be used to realize quantum key distribution protocols. We present a realistic approach to dealing with generic imperfections in on-chip devices for generating MUBs, in particular, imperfections originating from fabrication. We show how to control the conversion of path to polarization qubits for sending MUBs, and conversely from polarization to path qubits when receiving them: we identify the so-called tilt angle at the conversion station as the parameter to control and improve the preparation of MUBs. We investigate the optimization of a tilt angle for various figures of merit, such as fidelities of MUBs, photon losses, and secret key rates in a practical realization. Our results suggest a realistic, cost-effective strategy for exploiting chip-based fiber-optic quantum communication.

EPJ Quantum Technology
Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (KR), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KR), Yonsei University (KR), Kongju National University (KR), Advanced Institute of Convergence Technology (KR), National NanoFab Center (KR), Gongju National University of Education (KR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 6%
Quantum Information and Cryptography
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