Genuine time-bin-encoded quantum key distribution over a turbulent depolarizing free-space channel

Despite its widespread use in fiber optics, encoding quantum information in photonic time-bin states is usually considered impractical for free-space quantum communication as turbulence-induced spatial distortion impedes the analysis of time-bin states at the receiver. Here, we demonstrate quantum k...

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Published inOptics express Vol. 27; no. 26; pp. 37214 - 37223
Main Authors Jin, Jeongwan, Bourgoin, Jean-Philippe, Tannous, Ramy, Agne, Sascha, Pugh, Christopher J, Kuntz, Katanya B, Higgins, Brendon L, Jennewein, Thomas
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 23.12.2019
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Summary:Despite its widespread use in fiber optics, encoding quantum information in photonic time-bin states is usually considered impractical for free-space quantum communication as turbulence-induced spatial distortion impedes the analysis of time-bin states at the receiver. Here, we demonstrate quantum key distribution using time-bin photonic states distorted by turbulence and depolarization during free-space transmission. Utilizing a novel analyzer apparatus, we observe stable quantum bit error ratios of 5.32 %, suitable for generating secure keys, despite significant wavefront distortions and polarization fluctuations across a 1.2 km channel. This shows the viability of time-bin quantum communication over long-distance free-space channels, which will simplify direct fiber/free-space interfaces and enable new approaches for practical free-space quantum communication over multi-mode, turbulent, or depolarizing channels.
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ISSN:1094-4087
1094-4087
DOI:10.1364/OE.27.037214