Quantum key distribution at telecom wavelengths with noise-free detectors

Abstract

The length of a secure link over which a quantum key can be distributed depends on the efficiency and dark-count rate of the detectors used at the receiver. We report on the first demonstration of quantum key distribution using transition-edge sensors with high efficiency and negligible dark-count rates. Using two methods of synchronization, a bright optical pulse scheme and an electrical signal scheme, we have successfully distributed key material at 1,550 nm over 50 km of optical fiber. We discuss how use of these detectors in a quantum key distribution system can result in dramatic increases in range and performance.

References in corpus (6)

• Quantum Key Distribution with High Loss: Toward Global Secure Communication
• Security Aspects of Practical Quantum Cryptography
• Security against individual attacks for realistic quantum key distribution
• Quantum key distribution over 122 km of standard telecom fiber
• Noise-free high-efficiency photon-number-resolving detectors
• Single-photon interference over 150-km transmission using silica-based integrated-optic interferometers for quantum cryptography

Cited by in corpus (6)

• Long distance decoy state quantum key distribution in optical fiber
• Long-distance quantum key distribution in optical fiber
• Electrothermal feedback in superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
• Sub-shot-noise-limit discrimination of on-off keyed coherent signals via a quantum receiver with a superconducting transition edge sensor
• High-performance diamond-based single-photon sources for quantum communication
• Superconducting transition edge sensors with phononic thermal isolation