Proof-of-Principle Demonstration of Fully-Passive Quantum Key Distribution

Abstract: Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers information-theoretic security based on the fundamental laws of physics. However, device imperfections, such as those in active modulators, may introduce side-channel leakage, thus compromising practical security. Attempts to remove active modulation, including passive decoy intensities preparation and polarization encoding, have faced theoretical constraints and inadequate security verification, thus hindering the achievement of a fully passive QKD scheme. Recent research has systematically analyzed the security of a fully passive modulation protocol. Based on this, we utilize the gain-switching technique in combination with the post-selection scheme and perform a proof-of-principle demonstration of a fully passive quantum key distribution with polarization encoding at channel losses of 7.2 dB, 11.6 dB, and 16.7 dB. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of active-modulation-free QKD in polarization-encoded systems.