Fabio Benedetti

In this work, we implemented a quantum key distribution link between Sicily (Italy) and Malta utilizing two different single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) detectors. The performances of a standard commercial SPAD have been compared with the results achieved with an alternative prototype of fast-gated system in a package (SIP) SPAD; the SIP detector has shown to be able to accomplish a 14 times higher key rate compared with the commercial device over the channel showing 20 dB of losses.

In the world-wide unique fiber-optic infrastructure for space-division multiplexed transmission of the University of L’Aquila, recently connected to the Italian Quantum Backbone, high-dimensional QKD in field-deployed multi-core fibers has been demonstrated within project QUID. The results of this research effort involving QTI, CNR, and the University of L’Aquila among QUID partners, along with the Technical University of Denmark and the University of Florence, have been recently published in Nature Communications.  

The network connects the Italian Quantum Backbone (IQB) node at the CNR Pozzuoli with the Meditech Competence Center and the Leonardo Laboratories in Pomigliano – Aerotech Campus (NA). The initiative, supported and coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Made in Italy (MiMiT), also involved Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, CNR-INO, INRiM, as well as Leonardo, QTI SRL, TIM, Telsy, ThinkQuantum, Cisco and Exprivia.