Transmitter Design Proposal for the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol using Polarization Modulated Vertical Cavity Surface-emitting Lasers

Ágoston Schranz, Eszter Udvary

2018

Abstract

Vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) have multiple beneficial properties for applications in quantum key distribution (QKD). However, polarization switching (PS) characteristic of these lasers can be problematic if it is unwanted. The origin and properties of PS is discussed. We propose a new transmitter design for the BB84 protocol using only two VCSELs – both corresponding to one of the two bases in which polarized photons are sent –, which are modulated in polarization, purposely generating switches between two orthogonally polarized modes. Advantages and design difficulties of this design are outlined. We also consider the possibility of a spectral attack, originating from the frequency splitting between these modes, and offer a solution that can protect the key from eavesdroppers utilizing this kind of attack.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Schranz Á. and Udvary E. (2018). Transmitter Design Proposal for the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol using Polarization Modulated Vertical Cavity Surface-emitting Lasers.In Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: PHOTOPTICS, ISBN 978-989-758-286-8, pages 252-258. DOI: 10.5220/0006638002520258

in Bibtex Style

@conference{photoptics18,
author={Ágoston Schranz and Eszter Udvary},
title={Transmitter Design Proposal for the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol using Polarization Modulated Vertical Cavity Surface-emitting Lasers},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: PHOTOPTICS,},
year={2018},
pages={252-258},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0006638002520258},
isbn={978-989-758-286-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Photonics, Optics and Laser Technology - Volume 1: PHOTOPTICS,
TI - Transmitter Design Proposal for the BB84 Quantum Key Distribution Protocol using Polarization Modulated Vertical Cavity Surface-emitting Lasers
SN - 978-989-758-286-8
AU - Schranz Á.
AU - Udvary E.
PY - 2018
SP - 252
EP - 258
DO - 10.5220/0006638002520258