Polarization-Encoding-Based Measurement-Device-Independent Quantum Key Distribution with a Single Untrusted Source

Measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution （MDI-QKD） can be immune to all detector side- channel attacks and guarantee the information-theoretical security even with uncharacterized single photon detectors. MDI-QKD has been demonstrated in both laboratories and field-tests by using attenuated lasers combined with the decoy-state technique. However, it is a critical assumption that the sources used by legitimate participants are trusted in MDI-QKD. Hence, it is possible that a potential security risk exists. Here we propose a new scheme of polarization-encoding-based MDI-QKD with a single untrusted source, by which the complexity of the synchronization system can be reduced and the success rate of the Bell-state measurement can be improved. Meanwhile, the decoy-state method is employed to avoid the security issues introduced by a non-ideal single photon source. We also derive a security analysis of the proposed system. In addition, it seems to be a promising candidate for the implementation for QKD network in the near future.

Passive Decoy-State Reference-Frame-Independent Quantum Key Distribution with Heralded Single-Photon Source

Reference-frame-independent（RFI）quantum key distribution（QKD）is a protocol which can share unconditional secret keys between two remote users without the alignment of slowly varying reference frames.We propose a passive decoy-state RFI-QKD protocol with heralded single-photon source（HSPS）and present its security analysis.Compared with RFI QKD using a weak coherent pulse source（WCPS）,numerical simulations show that the passive decoy-state RFI QKD with HSPS performs better not only in secret key rate but also in secure transmission distance.Moreover,our protocol is robust against the relative motion of the reference frames as well as RFI QKD with the WCPS.In addition,we also exploit Hoeffding＇s inequality to investigate the finite-key effect on the security of the protocol.

Application of a Discrete Phase-Randomized Coherent State Source in Round-Robin Differential Phase-Shift Quantum Key Distribution

Recently, a novel kind of quantum key distribution called the round-robin differential phase-shift （RRDPS） protocol was proposed, which bounds the amount of leakage without monitoring signal disturbance. The protocol can be implemented by a weak coherent source. The security of this protocol with a simply characterized source has been proved. The application of a common phase shift can improve the secret key rate of the protocol. In practice, the randomized phase is discrete and the secret key rate is deviated from the continuous case. In this study, we analyze security of the RRDPS protocol with discrete-phase-randomized coherent state source and bound the secret key rate. We fix the length of each packet at 32 and 64, then simulate the secret key rates of the RRDPS protocol with discrete-phase randomization and continuous-phase randomization. Our simulation results show that the performance of the discrete-phase randomization case is close to the continuous counterpart with only a small number of discrete phases. The research is practically valuable for experimental implementation.

Versatile quantum microwave photonic signal processing platform based on coincidence window selection technique

Quantum microwave photonics(QMWP)is an innovative approach that combines energy-time entangled biphoton sources as the optical carrier with time-correlated single-photon detection for highspeed radio frequency(RF)signal recovery.This groundbreaking method offers unique advantages,such as nonlocal RF signal encoding and robust resistance to dispersion-induced frequency fading.We explore the versatility of processing the quantum microwave photonic signal by utilizing coincidence window selection on the biphoton coincidence distribution.The demonstration includes finely tunable RF phase shifting,flexible multitap transversal filtering(with up to 14 taps),and photonically implemented RF mixing,leveraging the nonlocal RF mapping characteristic of QMWP.These accomplishments significantly enhance the capability of microwave photonic systems in processing ultraweak signals,opening up new possibilities for various applications.

Photodetachment cross section of S^- in electric and magnetic fields＊

In this paper, the quantum-mechanical photodetachment cross section of S^- in uniform electric and magnetic fields at arbitrary angles is presented. It compares the quantum-mechanical cross section with the quantum source formalism cross section. The results show that at large angle, the two results have good agreements, however, with the decrease of the angles, they deviate obviously from each other. The reasons for this discrepancy are also discussed.

On the Directivity of Radiating Quantum Electromagnetic Systems

We explore the spatial directivity of radiating quantum source systems,which are defined as any generic source capable of producing photon emission and directing it to specific regions in space.We present a comprehensive definition of quantum directivity,inspired by both classical antenna theory and photon detection theory.Through an in-depth conceptual and mathematical analysis,we identify and address several critical challenges associated with characterizing the directive properties of a general quantum source system.Our approach essentially presents a computational model that relies solely on the density operator of the radiation field as input.

Advances in quantum dots for classical and non-classical light sources Invited Paper

Recent advances in quantum dots （QDs） for classical and non-classical light sources are presented. We have established metal organic chemical vapor deposition （MOCVD） technology for InAs-based QD lasers at 1.3 μm and achieved ultralow threshold in QD lasers with photonic crystal （PhC） nanocavity. In addition, single photon emitters at 1.55 μm, GaN-based single photon sources operating at 200 K, and high-Q PhC nanocavity have been demonstrated.

Emission properties of nanolasers during the transition to lasing

This review addresses ongoing discussions involving nanolaser experiments,particularly those related to thresholdless lasing or few-emitter devices.A quantum-optical(quantum-mechanical active medium and radiation field)theory is used to examine the emission properties of nanolasers under different experimental configurations.The active medium is treated as inhomogeneously broadened semiconductor quantum dots embedded in a quantum well,where carriers are introduced via current injection.Comparisons are made between a conventional laser and a nanolaser with a spontaneous emission factor of unity,as well as a laser with only a few quantum dots providing the gain.It is found that the combined exploration of intensity,coherence time,photon autocorrelation function and carrier spectral hole burning can provide a unique and consistent picture of nanolasers in the new regimes of laser operation during the transition from thermal to coherent emission.Furthermore,by reducing the number of quantum dots in the optical cavity,a clear indication of non-classical photon statistics is observed before the single-quantum-dot limit is reached.

Spectrally multiplexed and bright entangled photon pairs in a lithium niobate microresonator

On-chip bright quantum sources with multiplexing ability are extremely high in demand for integrated quantum networks with unprecedented scalability and complexity.Here,we demonstrate a bright and broadband biphoton quantum source with spectral multiplexing generated in a lithium niobate microresonator system.Without introducing the conventional domain poling,the on-chip microdisk produces photon pairs covering a broad bandwidth promised by natural phase matching in spontaneous parametric down conversion.Experimentally,the multiplexed photon pairs are characterized by 30 nm bandwidth limited by the filtering system,providing over 40 multiplexing channels with a 0.8 nm channel spacing.Meanwhile,the generation rate reaches 5.13 MHz/μW with a coincidence-to-accidental ratio up to 804,and the quantum source manifests a high purity with a heralded single photon correlation g^((2))_(H)(0)=0.0098±0.0021.Furthermore,the energy-time entanglement is demonstrated with an excellent interference visibility of 96.5%±2%.Such a quantum source at the telecommunication band paves the way for high-dimensional entanglement and future integrated quantum information systems.