A step towards global key distribution

Large random bit-strings known as 'keys' are used to encode and decode sensitive data, and the secure distribution of these keys is essential to secure communications across the globe1. Absolutely secure key exchange2 between two sites has now been demonstrated over fibre3 and free-space4, 5, 6 optical links. Here we describe the secure exchange of keys over a free-space path of 23.4 kilometres between two mountains. This marks a step towards accomplishing key exchange with a near-Earth orbiting satellite and hence a global key-distribution system.Large random bit-strings known as 'keys' are used to encode and decode sensitive data, and the secure distribution of these keys is essential to secure communications across the globe1. Absolutely secure key exchange2 between two sites has now been demonstrated over fibre3 and free-space4, 5, 6 optical links. Here we describe the secure exchange of keys over a free-space path of 23.4 kilometres between two mountains. This marks a step towards accomplishing key exchange with a near-Earth orbiting satellite and hence a global key-distribution system