Coherent Polarization States Multiplexer and Its Feasibility in Quantum Communication

Abstract

In this paper, a multiplexing technique of coherent polarization states based on three-dimensional rotation group is proposed. The technique applies two Stokes parameters in one polarized light as signal and local oscillator (LO), and combines them in the single spatial mode. Three-dimensional rotation group SO(3) is used to describe the transformation of Stokes parameters. SO(3) is decomposed into three subgroups, with each subgroup represents a rotation along different axes. A multiplexer is designed with three electro-optical crystals to realize the function of three-dimensional rotation group. The multiplexer achieves an ergodicity of polarization states. Signal and LO propagates in the same spatial mode, multiplexing of polarization states is realized. Finally, the multiplexer is tested in a free space quantum communication system and its feasibility in quantum communication is confirmed.

Keywords

• Optical polarization
• stokes parameters
• quantum cryptography
• optical communication equipment