Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution based on avalanche photodiodes

doi:10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/045019

Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution based on avalanche photodiodes

Z L Yuan et al 2009 New J. Phys. 11 045019 (11pp) doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/045019

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Z L Yuan^1,3, A R Dixon^1,2, J F Dynes¹, A W Sharpe¹ and A J Shields¹
¹ Toshiba Research Europe Ltd, Cambridge Research Laboratory, 208 Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge CB4 0GZ, UK
² Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, J J Thompson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HH, UK
³ Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed.
E-mail: zhiliang.yuan@crl.toshiba.co.uk

Part of Focus on Quantum Cryptography: Theory and Practice

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.

Received 17 December 2008
Published 30 April 2009

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Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution based on avalanche photodiodes

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