High Speed Quantum Key Distribution Over Optical Fiber Network System

J Res Natl Inst Stand Technol. 2009 Jun 1;114(3):149-77. doi: 10.6028/jres.114.010. Print 2009 May-Jun.

Abstract

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a number of complete fiber-based high-speed quantum key distribution (QKD) systems that includes an 850 nm QKD system for a local area network (LAN), a 1310 nm QKD system for a metropolitan area network (MAN), and a 3-node quantum network controlled by a network manager. This paper discusses the key techniques used to implement these systems, which include polarization recovery, noise reduction, frequency up-conversion detection based on a periodically polled lithium nitrate (PPLN) waveguide, custom high-speed data handling boards and quantum network management. Using our quantum network, a QKD secured video surveillance application has been demonstrated. Our intention is to show the feasibility and sophistication of QKD systems based on current technology.

Keywords: B92; BB84; detection time bin shift; fiber network; frequency up-conversion detection; quantum key distribution.