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Towards a Multi-Pixel Photon-to-Digital Converter for Time-Bin Quantum Key Distribution.

Simon Carrier1, Michel Labrecque-Dias1, Ramy Tannous2

  • 1Département de Génie Électrique et de Génie Informatique, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada.

Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
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Summary

We developed a novel photon-to-digital converter for quantum key distribution (QKD) using single-photon avalanche diodes. This integrated device offers precise timing for secure communication, enabling compact QKD systems.

Keywords:
CMOS detectorQEYSSatfree-spacephoton-to-digital converter (PDC)quantum cryptographyquantum internetquantum key distribution (QKD)single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD)time-bin encodingtime-to-digital converter (TDC)

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Area of Science:

  • Quantum Information Science
  • Integrated Photonics
  • Semiconductor Device Physics

Background:

  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems require highly sensitive and precise single-photon detectors.
  • Existing QKD receivers can be bulky and complex, limiting system miniaturization.
  • Time-bin encoding is a robust method for QKD, but demands accurate temporal resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and demonstrate an integrated photon-to-digital converter (PDC) for time-bin encoded QKD.
  • To develop a compact and efficient single-photon detection solution for QKD receivers.
  • To improve the performance and robustness of QKD systems through advanced integrated electronics.

Main Methods:

  • Integration of an 8x8 single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array with on-chip digital signal processing using TSMC 65 nm CMOS technology.
  • Utilizing an array of time-to-digital converters (TDCs) for timestamping and processing photon detection events.
  • Implementation of window gating for noise reduction and on-chip sorting of photon detections into time-bins.

Main Results:

  • Achieved a timing resolution of 22.7 picoseconds (ps) Root Mean Square (RMS).
  • Demonstrated successful operation in a time-bin setup with 158 ps time-bins.
  • Operated at an optical wavelength of 410 nm, suitable for various QKD protocols.

Conclusions:

  • The developed PDC is a key building block for next-generation QKD receivers.
  • This integrated device enables the creation of compact, robust, and high-performance time-bin QKD systems.
  • The PDC's capabilities pave the way for wider adoption and practical implementation of QKD technology.