Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a promising method for information exchange that relies on quantum mechanical principles to increase the security of encodedinformation in comparison with traditional cryptography. The objective of this degree project was to plan, build and validate a receiver system for Free-Space QKD. To testit, a simple state-preparation setup was built, using a 780 nm laser for the QKD channel and a 680 nm laser for tracking, and both were sent over a single free-spacequantum channel. On the receiver side, the beam is received by a telescope that focuses it into the eye-opening where the receiver is positioned. Here, the tracking laser isdeflected to a camera (intended for a tracking algorithm, to be implemented in the future) and the QKD laser beam is split, and its polarization measured in |H⟩/|V⟩ and|+⟩/|−⟩ basis. Finally, the system is validated by testing that the beam propagates over the free-space channel, that the polarization correction is properly applied and,finally, that each polarization is routed into the right detector. By replacing the test sender with another with a capacity for sending states random number generation, thedeveloped receiver should be able to take part in quantum communication via protocols such as BB84, B92 or Decoy-State. / Kvantnyckeldistribution (QKD) är en lovande metod för informationsutbyte som förlitar sig på kvantmekaniska principer för att öka säkerheten för kodad informationjämfört med traditionell kryptografi. Syftet med detta examensprojekt var att planera, bygga och validera ett mottagarsystem för Fritt Rymd QKD. För att testa det,byggdes en enkel state-preparation setup, med hjälp av en 780 nm laser för QKD kanal och en 680 nm- laser för spårning, och båda skickades över en enda fri-rymdkvantkanal. På mottagarens sida tas strålen emot av ett teleskop som fokuserar den i ögonöppningen där mottagaren är placerad. Här avlägsnas spårningslasern till enkamera (som är avsedd för en spåringsalgoritm, som ska genomföras i framtiden) och QKD-laserstrålen är uppdelad, och polariseringen mäts i |H⟩/|V⟩ och |+⟩/|−⟩ bas.Slutligen valideras systemet genom att testa att strålen sprider sig över den fria rymdkanalen, att polariseringskorrigering tillämpas korrekt och, slutligen, att varjepolarisering riktas till rätt detektor. Genom att ersätta testsändaren med en annan med en kapacitet för att sända stater slumptalsgenerering, bör den utvecklademottagaren kunna delta i kvantkommunikation via protokoll som BB84, B92 eller Decoy-State.

To address key challenges for both quantum communication and quantum computing applications in a simultaneous manner, we propose to employ the photon angular momentum approach by invoking the well-known fact that photons carry both the spin angular momentum (SAM) and the orbital angular momentum (OAM). SAM is associated with polarization, while OAM is associated with azimuthal phase dependence of the complex electric field. Given that OAM eigenstates are mutually orthogonal, in principle, an arbitrary number of bits per single photon can be transmitted. The ability to generate/analyze states with different photon angular momentum, by using either holographic or interferometric methods, allows the realization of quantum states in multidimensional Hilbert space. Because OAM states provide an infinite basis state, while SAM states are 2-D only, the OAM can also be used to increase the security for quantum key distribution (QKD) applications and improve computational power for quantum computing applications. The goal of this paper is to describe photon angular momentum based deterministic universal quantum qudit gates, namely, {generalized-X, generalized-Z, generalized-CNOT} qudit gates, and different quantum modules of importance for various applications, including (fault-tolerant) quantum computing, teleportation, QKD, and quantum error correction. For instance, the basic quantum modules for quantum teleportation applications include the generalized-Bell-state generation module and the QFT-module. The basic quantum module for quantum error correction and fault-tolerant computing is the nonbinary syndrome calculator module. The basic module for entanglement assisted QKD is either the generalized-Bell-state generation module or the Weyl-operator-module. The possibility of implementing all these modules in integrated optics is discussed as well. Finally, we provide security analysis of entanglement assisted multidimensional QKD protocols, employing the proposed qudit modules, by taking into account the imperfect generation of OAM modes.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O presente trabalho à divido em duas partes. Na primeira, a utilizaÃÃo do interferÃmetro de Sagnac em informaÃÃo quÃntica à analisada atravÃs da aplicaÃÃo do mesmo em trÃs problemas: MediÃÃo livre de interaÃÃo, distribuiÃÃo quÃntica de chaves e compartilhamento de segredo. Para a mediÃÃo livre de interaÃÃo, dois sistemas usando o Sagnac foram propostos. Considerando detectores ideais e ausÃncia de perdas, um deles apresenta probabilidade de sucesso de 25% por fÃton consumido, enquanto que o segundo apresenta probabilidade de determinar corretamente a presenÃa do objeto prÃxima a 100% por fÃton consumido. Para a distribuiÃÃo quÃntica de chaves foi proposta uma configuraÃÃo diferente das existentes, sendo a principal diferenÃa a ausÃncia de retorno do pulso enviado, como ocorre nos sistemas com Sagnac anteriormente propostos. Isto evita ataques do tipo Cavalo de TrÃia. Por fim, foi proposta uma configuraÃÃo Ãptica que permite que um segredo compartilhado por cinco pessoas, localmente distantes, seja usado apenas quando todos os cinco concordarem. A segunda parte da dissertaÃÃo apresenta um estudo analÃtico e numÃrico da variaÃÃo do entrelaÃamento de estados bipartites de qubits quando da propagaÃÃo dos mesmos em canais quÃnticos ruidosos. Em particular, foi encontrada uma fÃrmula exata que relaciona os entrelaÃamentos dos estados na entrada e saÃda do canal, quando o estado na entrada à puro e o canal à modelado pela interaÃÃo do estado bipartite (sinal) com um qubit (estado do canal) atravÃs de uma operaÃÃo unitÃria canÃnica. / This work is divided into two parts. In the first one, the use of the Sagnac interferometer in quantum information is analyzed applying it in three problems: interaction-free measurement, quantum key distribution, and secret sharing. For the interaction-free measurement two systems using Sagnac interferometer were proposed. Considering ideal detectors and loss less devices, one of them has a success probability of 25% for each photon used while the other presents the probability of getting success to detect the presence of the object close to 100% for each photon used. For quantum key distribution, it was proposed a different setup, where the main difference is that the pulse sent by the transmitter does not come back to him/her as happen with the systems based on Sagnac proposed before. This avoids the Trojan horse attack. Finally, it was proposed an optical configuration where it is possible to share a secret among five users, locally distant, that could be used only when all five persons agreed. The second part of this dissertation presents an analytical and numerical study of the entanglement variation of bipartite states of qubits during propagation in a quantum noisy channel. Particularly, it was found an exactly formula which relates the entanglement of states in the input and output of the channel, when the input state is pure and the channel is modeled by a canonical unitary operation.

<p>Quantum key growing, often called quantum cryptography or quantum key distribution, is a method using some properties of quantum mechanics to create a secret shared cryptography key even if an eavesdropper has access to unlimited computational power. A vital but often neglected part of the method is unconditionally secure message authentication. This thesis examines the security aspects of authentication in quantum key growing. Important concepts are formalized as Python program source code, a comparison between quantum key growing and a classical system using trusted couriers is included, and the chain rule of entropy is generalized to any Rényi entropy. Finally and most importantly, a security flaw is identified which makes the probability to eavesdrop on the system undetected approach unity as the system is in use for a long time, and a solution to this problem is provided.</p>

Quantum key growing, often called quantum cryptography or quantum key distribution, is a method using some properties of quantum mechanics to create a secret shared cryptography key even if an eavesdropper has access to unlimited computational power. A vital but often neglected part of the method is unconditionally secure message authentication. This thesis examines the security aspects of authentication in quantum key growing. Important concepts are formalized as Python program source code, a comparison between quantum key growing and a classical system using trusted couriers is included, and the chain rule of entropy is generalized to any Rényi entropy. Finally and most importantly, a security flaw is identified which makes the probability to eavesdrop on the system undetected approach unity as the system is in use for a long time, and a solution to this problem is provided. / ICG QC

Coding is an essential technology for efficient fiber-optic communications and secure quantum communications. In particular, low-density parity-check (LDPC) coding is favoured due to its strong error correction capability and high-throughput implementation feasibility. In fiber-optic communications, it has been realized that advanced high-order modulation formats and soft-decision forward error correction (FEC) such as LDPC codes are the key technologies for the next-generation high-speed optical communications. Therefore, energy-efficient LDPC coding in combination with advanced modulation formats is an important topic that needs to be studied for fiber-optic communications. In secure quantum communications, large-alphabet quantum key distribution (QKD) is becoming attractive recently due to its potential in improving the efficiency of key exchange. To recover the carried information bits, efficient information reconciliation is desirable, for which the use of LDPC coding is essential. In this dissertation, we first explore different efficient LDPC coding schemes for optical transmission of polarization-division multiplexed quadrature-amplitude modulation (QAM) signals. We show that high energy efficiency can be achieved without incurring extra overhead and complexity. We then study the transmission performance of LDPC-coded turbo equalization for QAM signals in a realistic fiber link as well as that of pragmatic turbo equalizers. Further, leveraging the polarization freedom of light, we expand the signal constellation into a four-dimensional (4D) space and evaluate the performance of LDPC-coded 4D signals in terms of transmission reach. Lastly, we study the security of a proposed weak-coherent-state large-alphabet QKD protocol and investigate the information reconciliation efficiency based on LDPC coding.

<p>Strong coupling between light and matter has been demonstrated both in classical</p><p>cavity quantum electrodynamics (QED) systems and in more recent circuit-QED</p><p>experiments. This enables the generation of strong nonlinear photon-photon interactions</p><p>at the single-photon level, which is of great interest for the observation</p><p>of quantum nonlinear optical phenomena, the control of light quanta in quantum</p><p>information protocols such as quantum networking, as well as the study of</p><p>strongly correlated quantum many-body systems using light. Recently, strong</p><p>coupling has also been realized in a variety of one-dimensional (1D) waveguide-</p><p>QED experimental systems, which in turn makes them promising candidates for</p><p>quantum information processing. Compared to cavity-QED systems, there are</p><p>two new features in waveguide-QED: the existence of a continuum of states and</p><p>the restricted 1D phase space, which together bring in new physical effects, such</p><p>as the bound-state effects. This thesis consists of two parts: 1) understanding the</p><p>fundamental interaction between local quantum objects, such as two-level systems</p><p>and four-level systems, and photons confined in the waveguide; 2) exploring</p><p>its implications in quantum information processing, in particular photonic</p><p>quantum computation and quantum key distribution.</p><p>First, we demonstrate that by coupling a two-level system (TLS) or three/fourlevel</p><p>system to a 1D continuum, strongly-correlated photons can be generated</p><p>inside the waveguide. Photon-photon bound states, which decay exponentially as a function of the relative coordinates of photons, appear in multiphoton scattering</p><p>processes. As a result, photon bunching and antibunching can be observed</p><p>in the photon-photon correlation function, and nonclassical light source can be</p><p>generated on demand. In the case of an N-type four-level system, we show</p><p>that the effective photon-photon interaction mediated by the four-level system,</p><p>gives rise to a variety of nonlinear optical phenomena, including photon blockade,</p><p>photon-induced tunneling, and creation of single-photon states and photon</p><p>pairs with a high degree of spectral entanglement, all in the absence of a cavity.</p><p>However, to enable greater quantum networking potential using waveguide-</p><p>QED, it is important to study systems having more than just one TLS/qubit.</p><p>We develop a numerical Green function method to study cooperative effects in</p><p>a system of two qubits coupled to a 1D waveguide. Quantum beats emerge in</p><p>photon-photon correlations, and persist to much longer time scales because of</p><p>non-Markovian processes. In addition, this system can be used to generate a</p><p>high-degree of long-distance entanglement when one of the two qubits is driven</p><p>by an on-resonance laser, further paving the way toward waveguide-QED-based</p><p>quantum networks.</p><p>Furthermore, based on our study of light-matter interactions in waveguide-</p><p>QED, we investigate its implications in quantum information processing. First,</p><p>we study quantum key distribution using the sub-Possonian single photon source</p><p>obtained by scattering a coherent state off a two-level system. The rate for key</p><p>generation is found to be twice as large as for other sources. Second, we propose</p><p>a new scheme for scalable quantum computation using flying qubits--propagating</p><p>photons in a one-dimensional waveguide--interacting with matter qubits. Photonphoton</p><p>interactions are mediated by the coupling to a three- or four-level system,</p><p>based on which photon-photon -phase gates (Controlled-NOT) can be implemented for universal quantum computation. We show that high gate fidelity is</p><p>possible given recent dramatic experimental progress in superconducting circuits</p><p>and photonic-crystal waveguides. The proposed system can be an important</p><p>building block for future on-chip quantum networks.</p> / Dissertation

[pt] A criptografia quântica foi proposta como uma solução para o problema da distribuição de chaves criptográficas com segurança total garantida pelos princípios da mecânica quântica. Através dessa técnica é possível saber se um espião tentou interceptar a transmissão, o que é impossível utilizando técnicas de transmissão clássicas. Nesse trabalho foi feito um breve resumo da teoria de criptografia quântica, de suas técnicas de transmissão e dos problemas tecnológicos enfrentados. Foi analisada em detalhes a técnica de transmissão de qubits utilizando codificação de freqüência e feita uma comparação dos diferentes esquemas de modulação frente aos protocolos BB84 e B92. Foi demonstrado que os dois esquemas de modulação existentes (AM-AM e PM-PM) são na realidade equivalentes e foi proposto um novo esquema, o AM-PM o único que suporta o protocolo BB84 clássico. Medidas foram realizadas classicamente nos formatos AM-AM e AM-PM. / [en] Quantum cryptography has been proposed as a solution to the cryptographic key distribution problem with absolute security guaranteed by the principles of quantum mechanics. Through this scheme it is possible to find out whether a spy tried to eavesdrop on the transmission, which was impossible to discover using classical transmission techniques. In this work a brief review of quantum cryptography theory, transmission techniques and technological problems involved were performed. It was analyzed in detail the transmission technique employing frequency coding, and a comparison was made between the different modulation schemes and the BB84 and B92 protocols. It was demonstrated that the two existing modulation formats (AM-AM and PM-PM) are in fact equivalent and a new format (AM-PM) was proposed, the only one able to accommodate classical BB84. Classical measurements were performed on the AM-AM and AMPM formats.

Yes / Satellite QKD/FSO systems, which facilitate quantum key distribution (QKD) over free-space optical (FSO) links between satellites and ground stations, present a promising pathway toward achieving global security in upcoming sixth-generation (6G) wireless communications. Our study focuses on a superior type of these systems, the satellite EB/CV-QKD/FSO, which utilizes the continuous-variable (CV) method for quantum state representation and the entanglement-based (EB) scheme for QKD implementation. We propose the use of optical phase-shift keying (QPSK) signaling and dual-threshold/heterodyne detection (DT/HD) receivers to bolster the reliability and feasibility of satellite EB/CV-QKD/FSO systems. Closed-form expressions for key system performance metrics are derived using improved channel modeling. Numerical results are presented to showcase the effects of channel impairments on the system performance. We also provide recommendations for optimal system setup parameters, aiming to enhance performance. / Ministry of Information and Communications (Vietnam) (Grant Number: DT.26/23). Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC) Foundation under the Switch! Project

Die Quantenschlüsselverteilung (QKD), die erste anwendbare Quantentechnologie, verspricht informationstheoretisch sichere Kommunikation. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde das Zeit-Frequenz (TF)-QKD-Protokoll untersucht, das Zeit und Frequenz, nämlich Puls-Positionsmodulation (PPM) im Zeitbereich und Frequenzumtastung (FSK) im Frequenzbereich als die beiden komplementären Basen verwendet. Seine Sicherheit beruht den Quanteneigenschaften von Licht und auf der Zeit-Frequenz-Unschärferelation. TF-QKD kann mit größtenteils Standard-Telekommunikationstechnologie im 1550-nm-Band implementiert werden. Die PPM-Basis kann mit Modulatoren und die FSK-Basis mit Hilfe der Wellenlängenmultiplex-Technologie realisiert werden. Das TF-QKD-Protokoll ist in der Lage, ein beliebig großes Alphabet bereitzustellen, was mehr als 1 bit/Photon ermöglicht. Darüber hinaus ist es robust gegenüber athmosphärischen Störungen und somit für die Übertragung über den Freiraumkanal geeignet. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird das TF-QKD-Protokoll theoretisch bewertet, mit Standardkomponenten für 1 bit/Photon implementiert und die Freiraumübertragung mit optischem Tracking über eine 388 m Teststrecke wird bei Tageslicht demonstriert. Unter Verwendung der vorhandenen Komponenten konnte eine sichere Schlüsselrate von 364 kbit/s back-to-back und 9 kbit/s über den Freiraumkanal demonstriert werden. / Quantum key distribution (QKD), the first applicable quantum technology, promises information theoretically secure communication. In the presented work the time-frequency (TF)-QKD protocol was examined, which uses time and frequency, namely pulse position modulation (PPM) in the time domain and frequency shift keying (FSK) in the frequency domain as the two complementary bases. Its security relies on the quantum properties of light and the time-frequency uncertainty relation. TF-QKD can be implemented mostly with standard telecom-technology in the 1550 nm band. The PPM basis can be implemented with modulators and the FSK basis with help of wavelength-division multiplexing technology. The TF-QKD protocol is capable of providing an arbitrarily large alphabet enabling more than 1 bit/photon. Moreover, it is robust in the atmosphere making it suitable for transmission over the free-space channel. In the present work the TF-QKD protocol is assessed theoretically, implemented with off-the-shelf components for 1 bit/photon and free-space transmission with optical tracking over a 388 m testbed is demonstrated in daylight. Using components at hand, secret key rates of 364 kbit/s back-to-back and 9 kbit/s over the free-space channel could be demonstrated.