Controlling the photon number coherence of solid-state quantum light sources for quantum cryptography
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Published:2024-01-27
Issue:1
Volume:10
Page:
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ISSN:2056-6387
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Container-title:npj Quantum Information
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language:en
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Short-container-title:npj Quantum Inf
Author:
Karli YusufORCID, Vajner Daniel A.ORCID, Kappe Florian, Hagen Paul C. A.ORCID, Hansen Lena M., Schwarz RenéORCID, Bracht Thomas K.ORCID, Schimpf ChristianORCID, Covre da Silva Saimon F.ORCID, Walther PhilipORCID, Rastelli ArmandoORCID, Axt Vollrath Martin, Loredo Juan C., Remesh VikasORCID, Heindel TobiasORCID, Reiter Doris E.ORCID, Weihs Gregor
Abstract
AbstractQuantum 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.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
Computational Theory and Mathematics,Computer Networks and Communications,Statistical and Nonlinear Physics,Computer Science (miscellaneous)
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