Optical transmitters and receivers for quantum key distribution

摘要

An optical receiver for a quantum key distribution system comprises a plurality of optical components mounted or formed in a substrate and optically coupled by one or more hollow core waveguides formed in the substrate.

主权项

1. An optical receiver for a quantum key distribution system, the optical receiver comprising a plurality of optical components mounted or formed in a substrate and optically coupled by one or more hollow core waveguides formed in the substrate, wherein
at least one of said optical components is a mounted component retained in an alignment slot, wherein: (i) the alignment slot is formed in the substrate, (ii) a longitudinal axis of the alignment slot is a longest dimension of the alignment slot that transversely intersects a longitudinal section of one of said hollow core waveguides, and (iii) the alignment slot defines an alignment of the optical component retained within the alignment slot with respect to said hollow core waveguide, and the at least one of said optical components is inserted into the alignment slot.