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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 81: Quantum Communication, Networks, Repeaters, & QKD III
Q 81.8: Talk
Friday, March 6, 2026, 16:15–16:30, P 10
Fully Integrated Multifunctional Platform for Secure QKD Using Waveguide-Integrated SNSPDs — •Connor A. Graham-Scott1,2,3, César Bertoni Ocampo1,2,3, Janis Averbeck1,2,3, and Carsten Schuck1,2,3 — 1Department for Quantum Technology, University of Münster, Germany — 2Center for NanoTechnology - CeNTech, Münster, Germany — 3Center for Soft Nanoscience - SoN, Münster, Germany
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a central technology for secure quantum communications, yet current implementations are typically limited in scalability and functionality, e.g. lacking capabilities for guaranteeing signal integrity. The challenge is to achieve a compact, fully integrated platform that not only performs QKD but also detects sophisticated eavesdropping attempts and provides redundancy through alternative encryption pathways.
Here, we present a multifunctional, fully integrated system on a single chip combining several functional blocks based on waveguide-integrated superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (WI-SNSPDs). Our system combines time-bin COW QKD with a 200-ps delay line, intrinsic and statistical photon-number-resolution methods, polarization-independent operation, and the detection of intercept-resend blinding attacks. By leveraging high-efficiency and low-jitter performance of correspondingly configured WI-SNSPDs, the system allows for both high key generation rates and enhanced security, while remaining scalable and suitable for full integration in future quantum communication systems.
Keywords: Quantum key distribution; superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors; integrated-photonics; waveguide-integrated