Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Applied Optics

Quantum cryptography using optical fibers

J. D. Franson, H. Ilves

Published May 10, 1994• 78 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Quantum cryptography permits the transmission of secret information whose security is guaranteed by the uncertainty principle. An experimental system for quantum crytography is implemented based on the linear polarization of single photons transmitted by an optical fiber. Polarization-preserving optical fiber and a feedback loop are employed to maintain the state of polarization. Error rates of less than 0.5% are obtained.

DOI
10.1364/ao.33.002949

Related papers

Quantum Cryptography Using Polarization Feedback

J. D. Franson, H. Ilves

A system for quantum cryptography using polarization-preserving optical fibre and a feedback loop to compensate for time-dependent changes in the state of polarization has been implemented. Error rates of less than 0·5% have been demonstrated and much lower error rates can be expected in the future. An improved system that does not require the use of polarization-preserving fibre, and with expected data transmission rates of 100 kHz, is under construction.

Journal of Modern Optics•Dec 1, 1994•31 citations

Secure Communications Using Quantum Cryptography

Richard Hughes, Buttler, William T., Kwiat, Paul G. +5 more

The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as {open_quotes}key{close_quotes} material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over {open_quotes}open{close_quotes} multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible. We have also constructed a quantum key distribution system for free-space, line-of-sight transmission using single-photon polarization states, which is currently undergoing laboratory testing. 7 figs.

•Jan 1, 1997•2 citations

Secure communications using quantum cryptography

Richard Hughes, W. T. Buttler, Paul G. Kwiat +5 more

The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as `key' material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions: Heisenburg's uncertainty principle ensures that an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single- photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over `open' multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jul 1, 1997•24 citations

Optical quantum communications: an experimental approach

Armando N. Pinto, Álvaro J. Almeida, Nuno A. Silva +2 more

Quantum laws can be used to implement secure communication channels; this has been named quantum cryptography. In quantum cryptography the security does not depend of limited computational power, but is inherent to the laws that govern the propagation and detection of single and entangled photons. We show how single and entangled photon-pairs can be efficiently generated using four-wave mixing in optical fibers. We analyze the source statistics, degree of entanglement and impact of spontaneous Raman scattering. By coding information in the photons polarization we are able to transmit quantum information over 20 km of standard single mode fiber.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•May 21, 2011•5 citations

Fiber optic quantum cryptography

V. Sochor

Quantum cryptography is a new, multidisciplinary technique of distributing information to two or more parties in such a way that can guarantee security against an unauthorized eavesdropping attempt. In the presented paper three schemes of implementation of this goal by means of fiber optics, namely a scheme based on photon polarization, delayed interferometry, and quantum correlations of nonorthogonal states, are discussed. Realization of the proposed schemes is discussed as well as fundamental limits imposed on quantum cryptography by fiber-optics technique.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•May 6, 1996•0 citations

Heisenberg, Bell, and experimental quantum cryptography

John Rarity, P. C. M. Owens, P. R. Tapster

When single photons are used to code for individual bits, security can be guaranteed by exploiting Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Binary information can be coded into two orthogonal states, such as polarization or relative phase (in an interferometer). To receive this information we require an analyzer able to discriminate between the two states in an error-free way. In a linear-polarization system a polarizing beam splitter is used with its axes aligned to the two possible polarization directions. However, using a polarizer at 45° to these directions will ensure a random output uncorrelated to the single-photon-coded bit stream. The principle of secure key sharing, or quantum cryptography, is that a random bit stream is encoded onto individual photons while randomly switching the coding basis between the 0° and 45° polarization bases (in general, any non-orthogonal measurement bases). The receiver also randomly switches between these basis, and information is shared only when a photon is received and the same basis is used for coding and for measurement. An initial experiment of this type was carried out by using faint pulses of polarized visible light over a 40-cm transmission distance.1

•May 8, 1994•0 citations
Quantum cryptography permits the transmission of secret information whose security is guaranteed by the uncertainty principle. An experimental system for quantum crytography is implemented based on the linear polarization of single photons transmitted by an optical fiber. Polarization-preserving optical fiber and a feedback loop are employed to maintain the state of polarization. Error rates of less than 0.5% are obtained.
The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as {open_quotes}key{close_quotes} material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single-photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over {open_quotes}open{close_quotes} multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible. We have also constructed a quantum key distribution system for free-space, line-of-sight transmission using single-photon polarization states, which is currently undergoing laboratory testing. 7 figs.
The secure distribution of the secret random bit sequences known as `key' material, is an essential precursor to their use for the encryption and decryption of confidential communications. Quantum cryptography is an emerging technology for secure key distribution with single-photon transmissions: Heisenburg's uncertainty principle ensures that an adversary can neither successfully tap the key transmissions, nor evade detection (eavesdropping raises the key error rate above a threshold value). We have developed experimental quantum cryptography systems based on the transmission of non-orthogonal single-photon states to generate shared key material over multi-kilometer optical fiber paths and over line-of-sight links. In both cases, key material is built up using the transmission of a single- photon per bit of an initial secret random sequence. A quantum-mechanically random subset of this sequence is identified, becoming the key material after a data reconciliation stage with the sender. In our optical fiber experiment we have performed quantum key distribution over 24-km of underground optical fiber using single-photon interference states, demonstrating that secure, real-time key generation over `open' multi-km node-to-node optical fiber communications links is possible.
Quantum laws can be used to implement secure communication channels; this has been named quantum cryptography. In quantum cryptography the security does not depend of limited computational power, but is inherent to the laws that govern the propagation and detection of single and entangled photons. We show how single and entangled photon-pairs can be efficiently generated using four-wave mixing in optical fibers. We analyze the source statistics, degree of entanglement and impact of spontaneous Raman scattering. By coding information in the photons polarization we are able to transmit quantum information over 20 km of standard single mode fiber.
Quantum cryptography is a new, multidisciplinary technique of distributing information to two or more parties in such a way that can guarantee security against an unauthorized eavesdropping attempt. In the presented paper three schemes of implementation of this goal by means of fiber optics, namely a scheme based on photon polarization, delayed interferometry, and quantum correlations of nonorthogonal states, are discussed. Realization of the proposed schemes is discussed as well as fundamental limits imposed on quantum cryptography by fiber-optics technique.
When single photons are used to code for individual bits, security can be guaranteed by exploiting Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. Binary information can be coded into two orthogonal states, such as polarization or relative phase (in an interferometer). To receive this information we require an analyzer able to discriminate between the two states in an error-free way. In a linear-polarization system a polarizing beam splitter is used with its axes aligned to the two possible polarization directions. However, using a polarizer at 45° to these directions will ensure a random output uncorrelated to the single-photon-coded bit stream. The principle of secure key sharing, or quantum cryptography, is that a random bit stream is encoded onto individual photons while randomly switching the coding basis between the 0° and 45° polarization bases (in general, any non-orthogonal measurement bases). The receiver also randomly switches between these basis, and information is shared only when a photon is received and the same basis is used for coding and for measurement. An initial experiment of this type was carried out by using faint pulses of polarized visible light over a 40-cm transmission distance.1