Yury Kurochkin

Quantum networks are moving rapidly from research laboratories to practical applications. Most quantum networks are based on the trusted node approach because the distance for quantum key distribution (QKD) is limited by photon loss. Shorter distances quantum networks providing any to any connectivity require N(N-1)/2 dark fiber lines, where N is the number of users. Telecom operators, which are the most active players in quantum networks today, can become trusted node owners, which may be an additional barrier to the adoption of quantum networks. An alternative solution is to use entanglement in quantum networks at the city level. In our work we have demonstrated it on a network with three nodes. The center of the network is the PPLN-based source for polarization entangled photon pairs at 1310 and 1316nm. The outputs of the source are connected to a 2x32 optical switch to which any two users can be connected in pairs. To make the receiver suitable for measuring both photons, we have assembled a 2-wavelength Bragg filter that enables the measurement of photons in both wavelengths with a bandwidth of 2 nm. The receivers are designed to be completely passive - the fiber is connected to the BBM92 polarization projection system in free space box, followed by single photon detectors and a time tagger. Polarization distortion is compensated with a fiber-based polarization controller on the source side using the publicly announced QBER. The key is followed by the standard procedures of sifting, cascade error correction and finite key e=10-10 privacy amplification. The derived keys are uploaded to 10G L2/L3 encryption systems, which are able to establish quantum-safe VPN tunnels between any participants. List below describes results of a key rate for 3 node network when the entangled source is connected to a 2x32 optical switch and its outputs are connected to receivers A1(direct) and A2, A3 with 10 km fiber spools each. All secret key tares include finite key size effects A2 (10 km) - A1 (direct). QBER ~2.8%, Secret key rate ~125 b/s A3 (10 km) - A2 (10km). QBER ~4.9%, Secret key rate ~50 b/s A3 (10 km) - A1 (direct). QBER ~3.9%, Secret key rate ~100 b/s

Random number generators are critical components for modern cryptosystems. Deterministic methods of producing random numbers cannot guarantee true randomness due to their susceptibility to external perturbations and deterministic origins. Quantum mechanics due to its probabilistic nature can be used to generate random numbers that cannot be predicted. Here we describe the design of a compact, inexpensive, and manufacturable QRNG based on balanced detection of shot noise from an LED in a commercially available off-the-shelf package which can be integrated into existing devices.

Randomness is a critical resource of modern cryptosystems. Quantum mechanics offers the best properties of an entropy source for unpredictability. However, these sources are often fragile and can fail silently. Therefore, statistical tests on their outputs should be performed continuously. Testing a sequence for randomness can be very resource-intensive, especially for longer sequences, and transferring this to other systems can put the secrecy at risk. In this paper, we present a method that allows a third party to publicly perform statistical testing without compromising the confidentiality of the random bits by connecting the quality of a public sequence to the private sequence generated using a quantum process. We implemented our protocol over two different optical systems and compared them.

One of the most important requirements for the correct operation of the BB84 protocol is the preparation of the true random state. Most realizations follow this logic: Alice prepares random quantum states, measures them to extract random numbers, and then uses them to modulate the state of the transmitted light. The alternative approach is passive state preparation. It was proposed in 2010 and recently studied for security aspects. The idea is to use the natural phase randomness of the laser pulses to prepare random states. This approach can help to solve the security problem of correlating the state modulation voltage. Originally, the focus was on preparing the polarization state. This required two lasers or an additional intensity modulator. In this work, we use a laser that generates random phase pairs of subsequent pulses as a ready-to-use qubit. This allows us to simplify the Alice device. To perform a full phase characterization, we split a portion of the signal, convert it to polarization, and perform polarization tomography where we postselect four BB84 states. Without a decoy state, this QKD system is well suited for the last mile of a star quantum network with a loss budget of up to 10 dB. We have experimentally demonstrated passive state QKD over 10km deployed and spool fiber obtaining 10-100 bps of secret key correspondingly.