aiqbench analysis
This study demonstrates a functional quantum repeater scheme using entanglement-swapped photons from a deterministic GaAs quantum dot source, marking a critical step toward long-distance quantum networks. By implementing a source-independent QKD protocol with high-resolution temporal post-selection, the research validates that secure key exchange is feasible without relying on imperfect quantum memories. This advancement directly addresses the scalability challenges currently hindering the deployment of practical quantum cryptographic infrastructure.
Quantum Key Distribution with Entanglement-Swapped Photons from a Quantum Emitter
arXiv:2610.03351v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a fundamental functionality of quantum networks. Extending its range requires quantum repeaters, a technology still under development and not yet demonstrated in combination with quantum cryptographic protocols. Here, we address the elementary operation of a viable quantum repeater scheme by evaluating whether correlated photons distributed via entanglement swapping can support secret key distribution. We employ a state-of-the-art deterministic photon source based on a strain-tuned GaAs quantum dot embedded in a photonic cavity and implement a source-independent QKD protocol between two nodes using entanglement-swapped photons. We benchmark the system and present how high-resolution temporal post-selection can enable secure key exchange, with further rate improvements expected through realistic device and protocol optimizations. Due to its compatibility with a wide range of quantum memory platforms, our approach represents a significant step towards long-distance quantum-safe communication.
Authors:Michele B. Rota, Francesco Basso Basset, Alessandro Laneve, Francesco Salusti, Nicolas Claro-Rodriguez, Giuseppe Ronco, Mattia Beccaceci, Tobias M. Krieger, Quirin Buchinger, Saimon F. Covre da Silva, Sandra Stroj, Mariia Gumberidze, Vladyslav Usenko, Sven Höfling, Tobias Huber-Loyola, Mario A. Usuga Castaneda, Armando Rastelli, Klaus D. Jöns, Rinaldo Trotta
Abstract:Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a fundamental functionality of quantum networks. Extending its range requires quantum repeaters, a technology still under development and not yet demonstrated in combination with quantum cryptographic protocols. Here, we address the elementary operation of a viable quantum repeater scheme by evaluating whether correlated photons distributed via entanglement swapping can support secret key distribution. We employ a state-of-the-art deterministic photon source based on a strain-tuned GaAs quantum dot embedded in a photonic cavity and implement a source-independent QKD protocol between two nodes using entanglement-swapped photons. We benchmark the system and present how high-resolution temporal post-selection can enable secure key exchange, with further rate improvements expected through realistic device and protocol optimizations. Due to its compatibility with a wide range of quantum memory platforms, our approach represents a significant step towards long-distance quantum-safe communication.
arXiv:2610.03351 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2610.03351v1 [quant-ph] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.03351 arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
https://doi.org/10.1103/68f1-cjfk DOI(s) linking to related resources
Full text under the publisher's open licence · 205 words
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