Stable, low-error, and calibration-free polarization encoder for free-space quantum communication
Abstract
Polarization-encoded free-space quantum communication requires a quantum state source featuring fast modulation, long-term stability, and a low intrinsic error rate. Here we present a polarization encoder that, contrary to previous solutions, generates predetermined polarization states with a fixed reference frame in free-space. The proposed device does not require calibration either at the transmitter or at the receiver and achieves long-term stability. A proof-of-concept experiment is also reported, demonstrating a quantum bit error rate lower than 0.2% for several hours without any active recalibration.
- Publication:
-
Optics Letters
- Pub Date:
- September 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1364/OL.396412
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2004.11877
- Bibcode:
- 2020OptL...45.4706A
- Keywords:
-
- Quantum Physics
- E-Print:
- 6 pages, 2 figures