2016/05/15 by Z. L. Yuan, Z. L. Yuan, B. Fr\"ohlich +8 · 4 citations
Computer Science · Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Advanced Photonic Communication Systems #Laser #Modulation (music) #Optical communication #Optical modulation amplitude #Phase (matter) #Phase modulation #Quantum #Quantum Information and Cryptography #Quantum optics and atomic interactions #SIGNAL (programming language) #Transmitter #physics.optics #quant-ph
paper · pdf · doi:10.1103/physrevx.6.031044
published as Phys. Rev. X 6, 031044 (2016) · 14 pages, 4 figures
arxiv created 2016/05/15 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex publication_date 2016/09/20 · arxiv updated 2016/09/28 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/05
The art of imparting information onto a light wave by optical signal modulation is fundamental to all forms of optical communication. Among many schemes, direct modulation of laser diodes stands out as a simple, robust, and cost-effective method. However, the simultaneous changes in intensity, frequency, and phase have prevented its application in the field of secure quantum communication. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate a directly phase-modulated light source which overcomes the main disadvantages associated with direct modulation and is suitable for diverse applications such as coherent communications and quantum cryptography. The source separates the tasks of phase preparation and pulse generation between a pair of semiconductor lasers leading to very pure phase states. Moreover, the cavity-enhanced electro-optic effect enables the first example of subvolt half-wave phase modulation at high signal rates. The source is compact, stable, and versatile, and we show its potential to become the standard transmitter for future quantum communication networks based on attenuated laser pulses.