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Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution based on avalanche photodiodes

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Published 30 April 2009 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
, , Focus on Quantum Cryptography: Theory and Practice Citation Z L Yuan et al 2009 New J. Phys. 11 045019 DOI 10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/045019

1367-2630/11/4/045019

Abstract

We report in this paper a gigahertz clocked quantum key distribution (QKD) system using only practical components. Compact semiconductor avalanche photodiodes are used for high-speed single photon detection, whereas an attenuated laser is used as a light source in combination with the decoy protocol for guarding against photon-number-splitting attacks. The system is characterized by secure key rates of 1.02 Mbit s−1 for a fibre distance of 20 km and 10.1 kbit s−1 for 100 km. The suitability of standard single mode fibres as the quantum channel is also demonstrated.

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10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/045019