Quantum Communication Networks Research Articles

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution based on wavelength division multiplexing in multi-user networks

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution (MP-QKD), a protocol that combines high performance and flexibility, not only eliminates the need for global phase locking but also beats the rate-transmittance bound. Such remarkable characteristics are poised to further advance the practical application of quantum communication networks. In this paper, MP-QKD is extended to the scenario of multi-user communication networks. MP-QKD enables concurrent operation across multiple channels by integrating wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, facilitating secure communication among multiple users. The performance of MP-QKD in multi-channel concurrent operation is analyzed through simulating various experimental conditions. The asymmetric MP-QKD case is also considered and pulse intensity optimization improves performance for asymmetric network channels. These results delineate the performance of MP-QKD with WDM technology, highlighting its significant potential for application in quantum communication networks.

Impact of visibility limiting conditions on satellite and high-altitude platform quantum key distribution links

Satellite and aerial platforms are critical in the deployment of global quantum communications networks. Currently, there remain significant challenges including operation during daytime and robustness to visibility limiting conditions. In this work we investigate, through simulation, the impact of visibility limiting conditions on low-Earth orbit CubeSat dimensioned satellites, small satellites and high-altitude platform implementations. Three different operational wavelengths were considered: currently used near-infrared (at 850 nm); next-generation short-wave infrared (at 1550 nm); and a candidate longer wavelength (at 2133 nm). We present channel attenuation and consider quantum key distribution (QKD) system performance parameters. Results indicate that the “best wavelength” for an implementation depends on the minimum visibility rated and the single-photon detector technology utilized. In the cases where tolerated meteorological visibility is short, 1550 nm and 2133 nm wavelengths provide better performance. In cases when the visibility is long, the operational wavelength of 850 nm provides better QKD system performance.

Passive continuous-variable quantum key distribution based on orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing in the terahertz band

We propose a passive continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol based on multicarrier multiplexing technology in the terahertz band. In this paper, we realize the superposition of multipath coherent states by inverse Fourier transform and passive modulation. At the receiving end, the coherent states of the subcarriers are separated by quantum Fourier transform, and the keys are obtained in parallel by a homodyne (heterodyne) detector and post-processing. In addition, we derive the security bounds of the protocol and evaluate the performance in indoor environments and intersatellite links. Furthermore, we consider finite-size effects and propose tighter agreement constraints, which are more practical than those obtained in the asymptotic limit. This work will provide an effective way to build efficient wireless quantum communication networks.

Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution with Local Frequency Reference.

Twin-field quantum key distribution (TFQKD) overcomes the linear rate-loss limit, which promises a boost of secure key rate over long distance. However, the complexity of eliminating the frequency differences between the independent laser sources hinders its practical application. We analyzed and determined the frequency stability requirements for implementing TFQKD using frequency-stabilized lasers. Based on this analysis, we proposed and demonstrated a simple and practical approach that utilizes the saturated absorption spectroscopy of acetylene as an absolute reference, eliminating the need for fast frequency locking to achieve TFQKD. Adopting the 4-intensity sending-or-not-sending TFQKD protocol, we experimentally demonstrated the TFQKD over 502, 301, and 201km ultralow-loss optical fiber, respectively. We expect this high-performance scheme will find widespread usage in future intercity and free-space quantum communication networks.

Integrated distributed sensing and quantum communication networks

Integrated distributed sensing and quantum communication networks

Heterogeneous integration of spin-photon interfaces with a CMOS platform.

Colour centres in diamond have emerged as a leading solid-state platform for advancing quantum technologies, satisfying the DiVincenzo criteria1 and recently achieving quantum advantage in secret key distribution2. Blueprint studies3-5 indicate that general-purpose quantum computing using local quantum communication networks will require millions of physical qubits to encode thousands of logical qubits, presenting an open scalability challenge. Here we introduce a modular quantum system-on-chip (QSoC) architecture that integrates thousands of individually addressable tin-vacancy spin qubits in two-dimensional arrays of quantum microchiplets into an application-specific integrated circuit designed for cryogenic control. We demonstrate crucial fabrication steps and architectural subcomponents, including QSoC transfer by means of a 'lock-and-release' method for large-scale heterogeneous integration, high-throughput spin-qubit calibration and spectral tuning, and efficient spin state preparation and measurement. This QSoC architecture supports full connectivity for quantum memory arrays by spectral tuning across spin-photon frequency channels. Design studies building on these measurements indicate further scaling potential by means of increased qubit density, larger QSoC active regions and optical networking across QSoC modules.

Cryptographic algorithm for multi-path distribution of entangled states of orbital angular momentum based on Fibonacci values

Drawing inspiration from the Fibonacci sequence and its complementary Lucas sequence, this paper introduces an innovative encryption and decryption algorithm tailored for multi-path quantum key distribution. The algorithm capitalizes on the high-quality orbital angular momentum entangled states, harnessing the mathematical elegance of Fibonacci numbers to construct block diagonal matrices. These matrices serve as the foundation for the simultaneous execution of key distribution across multiple communication paths in a structured block distribution format. The encryption process is facilitated through a combination of linear mappings, employing specific transition matrices to manage the cryptographic flow. The security underpinning of this method is firmly rooted in the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, a fundamental tenet of quantum mechanics, which ensures the confidentiality and integrity of the quantum communication channel. This approach paves the way for a novel encryption paradigm, fortifying the security framework of quantum communication networks.

High-visibility energy-time entanglement system enabled by a low-loss silicon-integrated platform.

Energy-time (E-T) entanglement is widely employed in long-distance quantum entanglement distribution due to its strong robustness against transmission fluctuations. In this Letter, we report what we believe to be the first silicon monolithically integrated E-T entanglement system, which integrates the photon sources, wavelength demultiplexers, and Franson interferometers on a single chip. Also, by utilizing low-loss multimode waveguides in Franson interferometers, we measured an on-chip quantum interference visibility of 99.66% (±0.47%), to our knowledge one of the highest values for integrated E-T entanglement systems reported to date. The quantum interference after 1- and 5-km fiber propagation shows visibilities of 96.72% (±0.78%) and 97.46% (±1.23%), respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of using silicon monolithic integration for advance E-T entanglement-based quantum communication networks.

Electro-optomechanical entanglement in two coupled optical cavities with an LC microwave circuit

We theoretically investigate entanglement in a hybrid quantum system comprising two optical cavities coupled to a shared microwave cavity via optomechanical interactions. Our results demonstrate that increasing the microwave input power and frequency in the allowed range enhances entanglement between the microwave–optical and optical–optical modes. We also show by change frequency of the one optical cavity in the communication domain that we still have entanglement. This ability to generate robust microwave–optical photon entanglement shows promise for various quantum technologies. Optical photons could enable secure quantum communication in optical fibers, while microwave photons allow transmission to satellites. Overall, this hybrid cavity optomechanical system offers prospects as an efficient source of entangled photon pairs, vital for implementing long-distance quantum communication networks.

Optimal quantum key distribution networks: capacitance versus security

The rate and security of quantum communications between users placed at arbitrary points of a quantum communication network depend on the structure of the network, on its extension and on the nature of the communication channels. In this work we propose a strategy for the optimization of trusted-relays based networks that intertwines classical network approaches and quantum information theory. Specifically, by suitably defining a quantum communication efficiency functional, we identify the optimal quantum communication connections through the network by balancing security and the quantum communication rate. The optimized network is then constructed as the network of the maximal quantum communication efficiency connections and its performance is evaluated by studying the scaling of average properties as functions of the number of nodes and of the network spatial extension.

Enhancing hierarchical remote preparation of an arbitrary n-qudit equatorial state by weak measurement and measurement reversal

Based on the demand for safer and more efficient quantum network communication, we propose two deterministic protocols to achieve the remote preparation of an arbitrary n-qudit equatorial states among multiple agents by selecting appropriate entanglement resources. The level of the agents varies depending on their authorities to restore the secret state. The superior agent requires the cooperation of the residual superior agents and any one of the subordinate agents, while the subordinate agent needs the help of all the other agents. To be emphasized, the recovery operations are deduced by general formulas that distinctly elucidate their relevance with the measurement outcomes. Additionally, we discuss the impact of amplitude damping noise and utilize weak measurement and measurement reversal to suppress noise.

Hierarchical remote preparation with multiple agents under the non-Markovian and Markovian noises

To meet the practical needs that the capabilities of agents in a quantum communication network are often different, we propose two deterministic schemes to achieve hierarchical remote preparation of an arbitrary single-qubit state by using cluster state as the entangled resource. One requires splitting the coefficients of the prepared state and the other does not due to the elaborately constructed measurement basis. The high-grade agent requires the help of all the other high-grade agents and any one of the low-grade agents to reconstruct the target state, while the low-grade agent needs the assistance of all the remaining agents. Comparing with the original scheme, ours are applicable to any number of agents and derive general expressions of recovery operators which clearly reveal the relationship with the measurement results. Moreover, the influences of diverse types of non-Markovian and Markovian noises are considered through calculating the fidelity of the output state.

Parameter optimization of SQCC-CVQKD based on genetic algorithm in the terahertz band

Recently, we proposed a continuous variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD) scheme based on simultaneous quantum and classical communication (SQCC) in the terahertz (THz) band. It performs classical modulation and quantum Gaussian modulation at the same coherent pulse at the sending end, and an amplifier is used to amplify and demultiplex the signal at the receiving end. However, the previous study set parameters based on prior knowledge which has significant limitations, and as the previous study showed, parameter selection is a crucial task that directly affects the performance of the system. In this paper, we use the genetic algorithm to optimize the parameter selection, and how the different conditions influence the optimal value of parameters is also analyzed. The simulation results show that the parameter optimized with the algorithm can make the scheme achieve a higher secret key rate which greatly improves the applicability of the SQCC scheme in the THz band. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of the scheme to construct wireless quantum communication networks.

Quantum Reversible Audio Steganalysis Using Quantum Schmidt Decomposition and Quantum Support Vector Machine

With the development of various methods of quantum steganography, the discovery of these secret communications has become a necessity. This paper presents the first quantum steganalysis approach that uses statistical features of the quantum frequency domain to detect the steganographic methods in quantum communication networks. In this method, by proposing different quantum circuits, statistical features such as quantum mean, quantum square mean root, quantum variance, and quantum standard deviation are extracted to increase the accuracy of distinguishing between stego and clean signals. In the proposed method, the Schmidt coefficient vector extracted from the Quantum Haar Wavelet Transform (QHWT) is used to calculate the statistical features of the audio signal so that the main and dominant coefficients below the frequency sub-bands of the audio signal can be identified and selected. The proposed method uses a Quantum Support Vector Machine (QSVM) to classify the extracted feature vectors. The higher accuracy of the proposed frequency-based steganalysis method indicates its higher efficiency in detecting stego and clean signals than the quantum steganalysis methods based on the time domain.

The construction of quantum network model based on formalized theory

With the rapid development of quantum communication, various types of quantum communication protocols emerge one after another, and their number has been very large. Usually a quantum communication protocol is expressed in long words. Formalized processing of quantum communication protocol can simplify its expression mode, which is conducive to fast reading and selection of required protocols according to actual application requirements. In this paper, quantum communication protocols that use entangled particles as quantum channels to transmit known or unknown quantum states are classified based on classification of set, and the classified protocols are described in formalized language. A new quantum communication network model is constructed by using the formalized quantum communication protocol.

Trust evaluation model immune to decoherent noise in quantum communication network

Trust evaluation model immune to decoherent noise in quantum communication network

Routing in quantum communication networks using reinforcement machine learning

This paper promotes reinforcement machine learning for route-finding tasks in quantum communication networks, where, due to the non-additivity of quantum errors, classical graph path or tree-finding algorithms cannot be used. We propose using a proximal policy optimization algorithm capable of finding routes in teleportation-based quantum networks. This algorithm is benchmarked against the Monte Carlo search. The topology of our network resembles the proposed 6 G topology and analyzed that quantum errors correspond to typical errors in realistic quantum channels.

Entanglement dynamics of photon pairs and quantum memories in the gravitational field of the earth

We investigate the effect of entanglement dynamics due to gravity – the basis of a mechanism of universal decoherence – for photonic states and quantum memories in Mach-Zehnder and Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry setups in the gravitational field of the earth. We show that chances are good to witness the effect with near-future technology in Hong-Ou-Mandel interferometry. This would represent an experimental test of theoretical modeling combining a multi-particle effect predicted by the quantum theory of light and an effect predicted by general relativity. Our article represents the first analysis of relativistic gravitational effects on space-based quantum memories which are expected to be an important ingredient for global quantum communication networks.

Unveiling the electronic structure of GaSb/AlGaSb quantum dots emitting in the third telecom window

Epitaxially-grown semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) provide an attractive platform for the development of deterministic sources of high-quality quantum states of light. Such non-classical light sources are essential for quantum information processing and quantum communication. QDs emitting in the telecom wavelengths are especially important for ensuring compatibility with optical fiber systems required to implement quantum communication networks. To this end, GaSb QDs fabricated by filling local-droplet etched nanoholes are emerging as a viable approach, yet the electronic properties of such nanostructures have not been studied in detail. In this article, an insight into the electronic structure and carrier dynamics in GaSb/AlGaSb QDs is provided through a systematic experimental analysis of their temperature-dependent photoluminescence behavior. A steady-state rate equation model is used to reveal the relevant energy barriers for thermally activated carrier capture and escape processes. Furthermore, results of detailed theoretical simulations of quantum-confined energy states using the multi-band k·p model and the effective mass method are presented. The purpose of the simulations is to reveal the direct and indirect energy states, carrier wavefunctions, and allowed optical transitions for GaSb QDs with different physical dimensions.

Controlling the photon number coherence of solid-state quantum light sources for quantum cryptography

Quantum communication networks rely on quantum cryptographic protocols including quantum key distribution (QKD) based on single photons. A critical element regarding the security of QKD protocols is the photon number coherence (PNC), i.e., the phase relation between the vacuum and one-photon Fock state. To obtain single photons with the desired properties for QKD protocols, optimal excitation schemes for quantum emitters need to be selected. As emitters, we consider semiconductor quantum dots, that are known to generate on-demand single photons with high purity and indistinguishability. Exploiting two-photon excitation of a quantum dot combined with a stimulation pulse, we demonstrate the generation of high-quality single photons with a controllable degree of PNC. The main tuning knob is the pulse area giving full control from minimal to maximal PNC, while without the stimulating pulse the PNC is negligible in our setup for all pulse areas. Our approach provides a viable route toward secure communication in quantum networks.