Practical gigahertz quantum key distribution based on avalanche photodiodes
Zhiliang L. Yuan, A. R. Dixon, J. F. Dynes, A. W. Sharpe, Andrew J. Shields · New Journal of Physics · 2009
We report in this paper a gigahertz clocked quantum key distribution (QKD) system using only practical components. Compact semiconductor avalanche photodiodes are used for high-speed single photon detection, whereas an attenuated laser is used as a light source in combination with the decoy protocol for guarding against photon-number-splitting attacks. The system is characterized by secure key rates of 1.02 Mbit s −1 for a fibre distance of 20 km and 10.1 kbit s −1 for 100 km. The suitability of standard single mode fibres as the quantum channel is also demonstrated.