Silicon photonic transmitter for polarization-encoded quantum key distribution

• DOI: 10.1364/optica.3.001274
• Publication Date: 2016-10-28T15:16:44Z
• Authors: Chaoxuan Ma; Wesley D. Sacher; Zhiyuan Tang; Jared C. Mikkelsen; Yisu Yang; Feihu Xu; Torrey Thiessen; Hoi-Kwong Lo; Joyce K. S. Poon
• Keywords: Quantum key distribution

Silicon (Si) photonics is forming a fabless ecosystem, which enabling low-cost and densely integrated components for optical communications quantum information. We present Si transmitter polarization-encoded key distribution (QKD). The chip was fabricated in standard photonic foundry process together pulse generator, intensity modulator, variable attenuator, polarization modulator 1.3 mm×3 mm1.3 mm×3 mm die area. devices the circuit meet requirements QKD. used proof-of-concept demonstration of BB84 QKD protocol over 5 km long fiber link. This work shows potential using low-cost, wafer-scale