Proof-of-principle demonstration of measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution using polarization qubits

We perform a proof-of-principle demonstration of the measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution protocol using weak coherent states and polarization-encoded qubits over two optical fiber links of 8.5 km each. Each link was independently stabilized against polarization drifts using a full-polarization control system employing two wavelength-multiplexed control channels. A linear-optics-based polarization Bell-state analyzer was built into the intermediate station, Charlie, which is connected to both Alice and Bob via the optical fiber links. Using decoy states, a lower bound for the secret-key generation rate of 1.04×10^-6 bits/pulse is computed.