Today’s society heavily relies on secure communications, which can be guaranteed by Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the most mature quantum technology. However, achieving long-distance links without relying on trusted nodes is still challenging. An important limitation is the non-ideality of detection systems, where intrinsic dark counts can hinder key extraction. This work proposes using state-of-the-art superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) with ultra-low dark count rates (<1 Hz) to reduce the quantum bit error rate (QBER) and achieve a higher secret key rate. Together with a high-rate QKD transmitter and a self-stabilizing receiver, we enabled a key exchange over 55 dB, corresponding to 340 km over an ultra-low-loss optical fiber.

Decoy-state quantum key distribution over long-distance optical fiber

Ribezzo D.
Primo
;
Salvoni D.;Ercolano P.;Ejrnaes M.;Parlato L.;Vagniluca I.;De Lazzari C.;Pepe G. P.;Zavatta A.;Bacco D.
Ultimo
2024

Abstract

Today’s society heavily relies on secure communications, which can be guaranteed by Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), the most mature quantum technology. However, achieving long-distance links without relying on trusted nodes is still challenging. An important limitation is the non-ideality of detection systems, where intrinsic dark counts can hinder key extraction. This work proposes using state-of-the-art superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors (SNSPD) with ultra-low dark count rates (<1 Hz) to reduce the quantum bit error rate (QBER) and achieve a higher secret key rate. Together with a high-rate QKD transmitter and a self-stabilizing receiver, we enabled a key exchange over 55 dB, corresponding to 340 km over an ultra-low-loss optical fiber.
2024
Istituto Superconduttori, materiali innovativi e dispositivi - SPIN
Istituto Nazionale di Ottica - INO
QKD
quantum communications
quantum cryptography
Quantum key distribution
single-photon detection
SNSPD
superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14243/517821
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