Entanglement-based quantum key distribution with a blinking-free quantum dot operated at a temperature up to 20 K

Abstract: Entanglement-based quantum key distribution promises enhanced robustness against eavesdropping and compatibility with future quantum networks. Among other sources, semiconductor quantum dots can generate polarization-entangled photon pairs with near-unity entanglement fidelity and a multi-photon emission probability close to zero even at maximum brightness. These properties have been demonstrated under resonant two-photon excitation (TPE) and at operation temperatures between 4 and 8 K. However, source blinking is often reported under TPE conditions, limiting the maximum achievable photon rate. In addition, operation temperatures reachable with compact cryo-coolers could facilitate the widespread deployment of quantum dots, e.g. in satellite-based quantum communication. Here we demonstrate blinking-free emission of highly entangled photon pairs from GaAs quantum dots embedded in a p-i-n diode. High fidelity entanglement persists at temperatures of at least 20 K, which we use to implement fiber-based quantum key distribution between two building with an average key rate of 55 bits/s and a qubit error rate of 8.4%. We are confident that by combining electrical control with already demonstrated photonic and strain engineering, quantum dots will keep approaching the ideal source of entangled photons for real world applications.