Premium
Free space quantum key distribution: Towards a real life application
Author(s) -
Weier H.,
SchmittManderbach T.,
Regner N.,
Kurtsiefer Ch.,
Weinfurter H.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
fortschritte der physik
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.469
H-Index - 71
eISSN - 1521-3978
pISSN - 0015-8208
DOI - 10.1002/prop.200610322
Subject(s) - quantum key distribution , key (lock) , computer science , quantum cryptography , encryption , bb84 , key space , key generation , quantum , free space , key distribution , theoretical computer science , quantum information , computer security , physics , quantum mechanics , public key cryptography , optics
Quantum key distribution (QKD) [1] is the first method of quantum information science that will find its way into our everyday life. It employs fundamental laws of quantum physics to ensure provably secure symmetric key generation between two parties. The key can then be used to encrypt and decrypt sensitive data with unconditional security. Here, we report on a free space QKD implementation using strongly attenuated laser pulses over a distance of 480 m. It is designed to work continuously without human interaction. Until now, it produces quantum keys unattended at night for more than 12 hours with a sifted key rate of more than 50 kbit/s and a quantum bit error rate between 3% and 5%.