High Speed Quantum Key Distribution Over Optical Fiber Network System1

• Published in: Journal of research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology Vol. 114; no. 3; pp. 149 - 177
• Main Authors: Ma, Lijun, Mink, Alan, Tang, Xiao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Gaithersburg Superintendent of Documents 01-05-2009; [Gaithersburg, MD] : U.S. Dept. of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Subjects: Communications networks; Fiber optics; International standards; Printed circuit boards; Protocol; Software utilities; Streaming media
• ISSN: 1044-677X; 2165-7254
• DOI: 10.6028/jres.114.010

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. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]