Generation of -10.7 dB unbiased entangled states of light

In a continuous variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) system, strong Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen entangled states can significantly boost the robustness and distance for secure communication. However, an inevitable bias of two entanglement quadratures may degrade the secret key rate and distance during random quadrature base switching. The bias originates from several interdependent factors in the generation, propagation, and detection of entangled states, which faces a challenge to be completely eliminated. Here, we analyze in detail the origin of the bias effect and report on a scheme of generating unbiased entangled states, whereby a - 10.7 +/- 0.1 dB quadrature noise unbiased entanglement is first generated experimentally with two single-mode squeezed states. The unbiased quadrature correlations within the measurement bandwidth are expected to immensely enhance the key rate and secure distance for CV-QKD.

Automated summary

In a CV-QKD system, a bias of two entanglement quadratures may degrade the secret key rate and distance, but generating unbiased entangled states could greatly enhance the key rate and secure distance for secure communication.