High-rate quantum key distribution with compact state preparation and detection
Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a promising technology for information-theoretic secure communications. The practicality of QKD systems is critical for large-scale network deployment, requiring both high key generation rate and miniaturized modules for quantum-state preparation and detection. Here, we report a deployable QKD system that achieves secure key rates of 60.33 ± 0.03 Mbps at 10 km and 3.08 ± 0.20 Mbps at 100 km. The system integrates a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder encoder to achieve high-fidelity, unified preparation of polarization and decoy states via single-step modulation in a compact design. Meanwhile, we developed miniaturized single-photon avalanche detectors operating at 2.5 GHz, achieving high count rates while maintaining low noise. This high-performance and compact solution establishes a feasible roadmap for urban secure communication networks that require high capacity and bandwidth.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Mechanical and Optical Resonators
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Publisher
- National Academy of Sciences
- Volume
- 123
- Issue
- 18
- Pages
- e2521590123–e2521590123
- Publication date
- 30 April 2026
- Language
- EN