Efficient room-temperature molecular single-photon sources for quantum key distribution

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the distribution of cryptographic keys between multiple users in an information-theoretic secure way, exploiting quantum physics. While current QKD systems are mainly based on attenuated laser pulses, deterministic single-photon sources could give concrete advantages in terms of secret key rate (SKR) and security owing to the negligible probability of multi-photon events. Here, we introduce and demonstrate a proof-of-concept QKD system exploiting a molecule-based single-photon source operating at room temperature and emitting at 785 nm. With an estimated maximum SKR of 0.5 Mbps, our solution paves the way for room-temperature single-photon sources for quantum communication protocols.

Implementation of Italian industry 4.0 quantum testbed in Turin

“…This method, although very convenient, could open back doors to the real implementation of the full system. The improvement of the single photon sources in the last few years has allowed the demonstration of proof‐of‐concept experiment exploiting true deterministic single photon sources [16]. In addition, these deterministic sources will be exploited for the implementation of the quantum Internet protocols [17].…”

Atomically-thin single-photon sources for quantum communication

“…have been reported to date, covering all three telecom windows and different levels of device integration. Recently, also quantum emitters in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) 52 as well as molecules of polyaromatic hydrocarbons 53 were considered and evaluated for their application in QKD, including an implementation of the B92 protocol 54 using an hBN-based SPS 55 . For our following comparison, we restrict ourselves to the state-of-the-art of BB84-QKD: the pioneering work by Waks et al 44 , which reported the largest secret key rate for quantum dot-based QKD to date, Leifgen et al 51 , evaluating nitrogen-and silicon-vacancy centers in diamond for QKD, and Takemoto et al 47 with the longest distance achieved for SPS-based QKD so far (c.f.…”

Decoy-state quantum key distribution over long-distance optical fiber

“…Recent advancements in quantum computing pose a threat to our established network infrastructure, comprised of secure communication links for information exchange. [1][2][3] Consequently, there is a need for the development of new cryptographic schemes. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) emerges as a well-tested and secure method for exchanging secret keys, leveraging the inherent security provided by the laws of physics.…”