Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers the ability of information theoretic security key exchange. The secure key rate is an important indicator for the practical QKD systems, which determines what kinds of applications can be supported. One most effective way to enhance the secure key rate is to increase the system repetition frequency. Here, we report an implementation of a high-speed DC-coupled modulator driving circuit with a repetition rate of up to 5 GHz. The circuit outputs a multi-amplitude return-to-zero pattern pulse with a maximum amplitude of 7.5 V. The design adapts to the various electro-optic modulators widely employed in QKD systems. The minimum pulse width is measured as 75 ps, with the relative noise level less than 1.5% for all the output amplitudes under random modulation.
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February 2020
Research Article|
February 06 2020
A 5 GHz and 7.5 V multi-amplitude modulator driving circuit for practical high-speed quantum key distribution
Xiang Liu
;
Xiang Liu
1
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Ming-Qi Huang;
Ming-Qi Huang
1
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Hao Min;
Hao Min
1
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Ge Jin;
Ge Jin
1
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
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Xiao Jiang
;
Xiao Jiang
a)
1
Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
a)Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: jiangx@ustc.edu.cn
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Cheng-Zhi Peng
Cheng-Zhi Peng
2
CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China
3
Shanghai Branch, National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China
, Shanghai 201315, China
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a)Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: jiangx@ustc.edu.cn
Rev. Sci. Instrum. 91, 024705 (2020)
Article history
Received:
December 01 2019
Accepted:
January 05 2020
Citation
Xiang Liu, Ming-Qi Huang, Hao Min, Ge Jin, Xiao Jiang, Cheng-Zhi Peng; A 5 GHz and 7.5 V multi-amplitude modulator driving circuit for practical high-speed quantum key distribution. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 1 February 2020; 91 (2): 024705. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5140695
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