Abstract
We experimentally investigate the non-Gaussian features of the phase-randomized coherent states, a class of states exploited in communication channels and in decoy state-based quantum key distribution protocols. In particular, we reconstruct their phase-insensitive Wigner functions and quantify their non-Gaussianity. The measurements are performed in the mesoscopic photon-number domain by means of a direct detection scheme involving linear detectors.
Highlights
Weak phase-randomized or phase-averaged coherent states (PHAVs) have been successfully exploited to implement quantum key distribution (QKD) [1, 2, 3]
The generation of the class of the PHAVs was achieved by exploiting the second harmonics (@ 523 nm, 5-ps pulses) of a mode-locked Nd:YLF laser amplified at 500 Hz (High-Q Laser Production)
A filter inserted in the path of one of the two PHAVs allowed us to change the balancing between the two fields
Summary
Weak phase-randomized or phase-averaged coherent states (PHAVs) have been successfully exploited to implement quantum key distribution (QKD) [1, 2, 3]. In this paper we report on the controlled generation of PHAVs [12] and on their full characterization in terms of Wigner functions by exploiting a direct detection scheme involving linear detectors. In order to quantify the nonG of the states we adopt a recently proposed measure given in terms of the von Neumann entropy [13, 14] This investigation is performed in the mesoscopic photon-number regime as in this domain the optical states are robust with respect to losses and it is possible to better understand the influence of the different parameters on the nature of PHAVs. The paper is structured as follows.
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