Tao Wang

We propose a discrete-modulated coherent-state basis-encoding quantum key distribution (DMCS-BE-QKD) protocol, where the secret keys are encoded in the random choice of two measurement bases and it only needs simple binary sequence error correction. We analyze the secret key rate of DMCS-BE-QKD protocol under collective attacks in the linear Gaussian channel. The results show that DMCS-BE-QKD can greatly enhance the ability to tolerate the channel loss and excess noise compared to the original DMCS-CVQKD protocol. Finally, a proof-of-principle experiment is conducted under a 50.5 km optical fiber to verify the feasibility of DMCS-BE-QKD.

Bypassing the use of quantum coherent source and active modulations, passive-state-preparation (PSP) continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) with thermal source provides a solution of high-speed on-chip modulators. However, the field experiment of free-space PSP CVQKD has still not been realized due to the lack of efficient excess noise suppression techniques via high-loss free-space channels. Here, we realize the PSP CVQKD field test over an urban free-space channel with record-breaking attenuation from -12.24 dB to -15.59 dB. Specifically, a novel scheme is proposed to reduce excess noise from PSP, and efficient quantum coherence detection alongside advanced digital signal processing algorithms is developed to achieve low-noise synchronized raw data acquisition. The secure keys are successfully generated, with statistical summation values of 0.85 kbps during the day and 1.52 kbps at night.

Quantum networks revolutionize the way of information transmission and are an essential step in building a quantum internet. Generally, the information capacity per user-channel in a quantum network drastically decreases with the increase of network capacity, making it difficultly scale to large-user scenarios. To break this limit, we propose a network capacity-independent quantum network (NCI-QN) that maintains constant information capacity per user-channel regardless of network scale, overcoming the scalability bottleneck in conventional quantum networks. The architecture employs a multi-mode time-frequency framework, with theoretical analysis extending PLOB and Holevo bounds to network scenarios to establish capacity independence. Experimentally, we demonstrate a 19-user NCI-QN using optical frequency combs in quantum key distribution, achieving a record 8.75 Gbps composable finite-size secure key rate.

The advent of quantum computers has significantly challenged the security of traditional cryptographic systems, prompting a surge in research on quantum key distribution (QKD). Continuous-variable QKD (CVQKD) resists noise well, but the local local oscillator (LLO) CVQKD has limits in high-attenuation channels. Bottleneck challenges include ensuring stable low-noise transmission and accurately estimating parameters under fluctuating channel conditions. We propose a LLO-CVQKD scheme that combines the main quantum system with an auxiliary quantum system, featuring time-varying parameter compensation and time-varying channel transmittance estimation capabilities. Through experimental validation, we first demonstrate high-rate secure quantum key distribution over high-loss free-space channels. Specifically, we achieve asymptotic key rates of 403.896 kbps in 21.5 dB average attenuation free-space channels with turbulence at a 1 GHz repetition rate.

The quantum internet has the potential to enable applications that are fundamentally unattainable with classical internet technologies. One of its most notable applications is the quantum key distribution (QKD) network, which enables two distant nodes to establish a secure cryptographic key based on the principles of quantum mechanics. However, the heavy reliance on interference in existing QKD protocols undermines the robustness of both the system and the corresponding network infrastructure. We propose an interference-free quantum network architecture based on a Kramers-Kronig receiver. Specifically, we introduce a continuous-variable QKD protocol employing direct detection without the need for interference, wherein the quadrature components are recovered via the Kramers-Kronig relation. Building upon this foundation, we extend the protocol to continuous-variable quantum access networks, thereby demonstrating the enhanced robustness and cost-effectiveness afforded by interference-free detection. Experimental results indicate that each user within the access network can achieve a secret key rate of 200 kbit/s using only a single photodetector and without the inclusion of interference structures. This approach offers a promising direction for constructing interference-free quantum networks and represents a significant step toward the realization of a large-scale quantum internet.

A chip-based continous-variable quantum-key-distribution (CVQKD) system with a high practical confidentiality performance is crucial for constructing quantum metropolitan communication networks, but imperfections in the chip-based modulation will threaten the practical security of the chip-based CVQKD system. In this paper, we combine the plasma dispersion effect of free carriers to model the carrier fluctuations and reveal the essential mechanism of carrier fluctuations’ influence on the system. The simulations show that the chip-based CVQKD system may face potential loophole threats or its performance will dramatically decrease under different carrier fluctuations. Moreover, two preliminary defense strategies are proposed to completely solve the practical security problems commonly induced by modulators in general chip-based CVQKD systems. This work proposes a set of modeling and analysis methods for general chip-based CVQKD systems’ modulators, which provides constructive methods to build the chip-based CVQKD system with more rigorous practical security.

We propose a dynamic polarization control scheme for free-space continuous-variable quantum key distribution and verify its validity via simulations and an experiment performed over a 150 m free-space channel. The results indicate the capability of the scheme to effectively control the states of polarization for free-space continuous-variable quantum communication.

Large-scale and flexible deployment of quantum networks is possible with reliable free-space quantum key distribution. However, signal fading occurs in free-space channels and causes various adverse effects. Under this circumstance, phase compensation becomes a challenging task for quantum key distribution using continuous variables. Here we investigate the feasibility of implementing phase compensation via simply computing the correlation between transmitted and received data. Demonstration and performance analysis are conducted with real transmittance of a 150-m free-space fading channel; results indicate the applicability of this compensation scheme to free-space quantum communication systems.