Proof-of-Concept of Real-World Quantum Key Distribution with Quantum Frames

Abstract

We propose and experimentally investigate a fibre-based quantum key distribution system, which employs polarization qubits encoded into faint laser pulses. As a novel feature, it allows sending of classical framing information via sequences of strong laser pulses that precede the quantum data. This allows synchronization, sender and receiver identification, and compensation of time-varying birefringence in the communication channel. In addition, this method also provides a platform to communicate implementation specific information such as encoding and protocol in view of future optical quantum networks. Furthermore, we report on our current effort to develop high-rate error correction.

25 pages, 14 figures, 4 tables

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• The Quantum Internet
• Quantum cryptography with finite resources: unconditional security bound for discrete-variable protocols with one-way post-processing
• Breaking a quantum key distribution system through a timing side channel
• Upper bounds of eavesdropper's performances in finite-length code with decoy method
• Current status of the DARPA Quantum Network

Cited by in corpus (4)

• Studying Free-Space Transmission Statistics and Improving Free-Space QKD in the Turbulent Atmosphere
• Long-distance practical quantum key distribution by entanglement swapping
• Silicene Nanomesh
• Novel High-Speed Polarization Source for Decoy-State BB84 Quantum Key Distribution over Free Space and Satellite Links