Enhancements to quantum communication performance utilizing a prototype photonic lantern and multiplexed single-photon detection

The optical interfacing between a free-space channel and single-photon detectors (SPDs) can greatly impact the inherent performance of a free-space quantum key distribution receiver. Direct coupling to detectors creates engineering challenges, and a single-mode fiber requires adaptive optics. Using a multimode fiber (MMF) is common; however, larger core diameters limit the achievable bandwidth. We demonstrate a prototype multimode fiber-based photonic lantern that allows us to retain the benefits of the large multimode coupling while transitioning to multiple, less multimodal fibers, reducing bandwidth limitation.