16 research outputs found
Quantum key distribution and 1 Gbit/s data encryption over a single fibre
We perform quantum key distribution (QKD) in the presence of 4 classical
channels in a C-band dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM)
configuration using a commercial QKD system. The classical channels are used
for key distillation and 1 Gbps encrypted communication, rendering the entire
system independent from any other communication channel than a single dedicated
fibre. We successfully distil secret keys over fibre spans of up to 50 km. The
separation between quantum channel and nearest classical channel is only 200
GHz, while the classical channels are all separated by 100 GHz. In addition to
that we discuss possible improvements and alternative configurations, for
instance whether it is advantageous to choose the quantum channel at 1310 nm or
to opt for a pure C-band configuration.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure
Feasibility of quantum key distribution through dense wavelength division multiplexing network
In this paper, we study the feasibility of conducting quantum key
distribution (QKD) together with classical communication through the same
optical fiber by employing dense-wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM)
technology at telecom wavelength. The impact of the classical channels to the
quantum channel has been investigated for both QKD based on single photon
detection and QKD based on homodyne detection. Our studies show that the latter
can tolerate a much higher level of contamination from the classical channels
than the former. This is because the local oscillator used in the homodyne
detector acts as a "mode selector" which can suppress noise photons
effectively. We have performed simulations based on both the decoy BB84 QKD
protocol and the Gaussian modulated coherent state (GMCS) QKD protocol. While
the former cannot tolerate even one classical channel (with a power of 0dBm),
the latter can be multiplexed with 38 classical channels (0dBm power each
channel) and still has a secure distance around 10km. Preliminary experiment
has been conducted based on a 100MHz bandwidth homodyne detector.Comment: 18 pages, 5 figure
Photonic quantum information processing: a review
Photonic quantum technologies represent a promising platform for several
applications, ranging from long-distance communications to the simulation of
complex phenomena. Indeed, the advantages offered by single photons do make
them the candidate of choice for carrying quantum information in a broad
variety of areas with a versatile approach. Furthermore, recent technological
advances are now enabling first concrete applications of photonic quantum
information processing. The goal of this manuscript is to provide the reader
with a comprehensive review of the state of the art in this active field, with
a due balance between theoretical, experimental and technological results. When
more convenient, we will present significant achievements in tables or in
schematic figures, in order to convey a global perspective of the several
horizons that fall under the name of photonic quantum information.Comment: 36 pages, 6 figures, 634 references. Updated version with minor
changes and extended bibliograph
Memory-assisted measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution
A protocol with the potential of beating the existing distance records for conventional quantum key distribution (QKD) systems is proposed. It borrows ideas from quantum repeaters by using memories in the middle of the link, and that of measurement-device-independent QKD, which only requires optical source equipment at the users end. For certain memories with short access times, our scheme allows a higher repetition rate than that of quantum repeaters with single-mode memories, thereby requiring lower coherence times. By accounting for various sources of nonideality, such as memory decoherence, dark counts, misalignment errors, and background noise, as well as timing issues with memories, we develop a mathematical framework within which we can compare QKD systems with and without memories. In particular, we show that with the state-of-the-art technology for quantum memories, it is potentially possible to devise memory-assisted QKD systems that, at certain distances of practical interest, outperform current QKD implementations