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

IEEE Communications Letters

Experimental Demonstration of a Detection-Time-Bin-Shift Polarization Encoding Quantum Key Distribution System

Lijun Ma, Tiejun Chang, Alan Mink, Oliver Slattery, Barry Hershman, Xiao Hong Tang

Published Jun 1, 2008• 17 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that uses time division multiplexing of a single photon detector between two photon bases in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time induced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we introduce an improved DTBS scheme and implement it based on our previously developed conventional fiber-based QKD system using the B92 protocol. Our DTBS QKD system generates sifted keys at a rate of more than 1 Mbit/s with a quantum bit error rate (QBER) lower than 2% over 1.1 km of fiber.

DOI
10.1109/lcomm.2008.080237

Related papers

Detection-time-bin-shift Schemes for Polarization Encoding Quantum Key Distribution System 1

Lijun Ma, Tiejun Chang, Alan Mink +3 more

Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that projects the measurement bases or measured photon values into detection time-bins and then time division multiplexes a single photon detector in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time introduced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we present several DTBS schemes for QKD systems based on attenuated laser pulses and entangled photon sources. We study the security issues of these DTBS schemes, especially the time-bin-shift intercept-resend attack and its countermeasures. A fiber-based DTBS QKD system has been developed and its results are presented in this paper.

•Jan 1, 2008•0 citations

Detection-time-bin-shift schemes for polarization encoding Quantum Key Distribution system

Lijun Ma, Tiejun Chang, Alan Mink +3 more

Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that projects the measurement bases or measured photon values into detection time-bins and then time division multiplexes a single photon detector in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time introduced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we present several DTBS schemes for QKD systems based on attenuated laser pulses and entangled photon sources. We study the security issues of these DTBS schemes, especially the time-bin-shift intercept-resend attack and its countermeasures. A fiber-based DTBS QKD system has been developed and its results are presented in this paper.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Aug 28, 2008•0 citations

Detection-time-bin-shift polarization encoding quantum key distribution system

Lijun Ma, Tiejun Chang, Xiao Hong Tang

A detection-time-bin-shift scheme for polarization encoding QKD is proposed. This scheme reduces cost and overcomes the security loss caused by dead-time and unbalanced characteristics of detectors. This scheme is experimentally demonstrated with the B92 protocol.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•May 4, 2008•3 citations

Fiber-based higher dimensional quantum key distribution implementation using time-bin qudits

Gokul Agasthilingam, Harinee Natarajan, Varun Raghunathan

Higher Dimensional Quantum Key Distribution (HD-QKD) improves information capacity and security compared to binary QKD systems. Previous HD-QKD implementations have required d+1 (d refers to encoding dimension) single-photon detectors, limiting large-scale implementation. In contrast, another HD-QKD implementation using coherent one-way (COW) protocol hardware with two detectors achieved a secret key rate (SKR) of 155 kbps for an 8-D system and 2.7% QBER tolerance for a 16-D system with qubit scrambling across a time window. In this paper, we theoretically simulate and experimentally demonstrate time-bin encoded HD-QKD using COW protocol hardware with two single-photon detectors operating at standard telecom wavelengths, achieving a remarkable maximum encoding of 6 bits per photon (i.e., 56-d system). Our HD-QKD system incorporates a practical decoy-state technique to counter the photon number splitting attack, allowing greater flexibility in choosing higher mean photon number thereby achieving higher SKR and distances. This implementation demonstrates a remarkable ninefold increase in SKR for a 16-d system (210 kbps over 25 km of standard single-mode fiber) compared to qubit-based systems, with a QBER tolerance of 13.5% for d = 16. Notably, we achieved positive key rates for emulated loss up to 131 km of fiber length for d = 8. By optimizing detector deadtime and mean photon number using our theoretical model, we achieve enhanced key rates and security. Our findings highlight the superiority of our approach and lay the foundation for high throughput HD-QKD implementation, offering a secure and efficient method for transmitting sensitive information.

Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation•Mar 12, 2024•2 citations

Strategies for Implementing a Single-detector Polarization-encoded Quantum Key Distribution Receiver

Cameron Simmons, Ross J. Donaldson

Discrete-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) requires the use of highly sensitive single-photon detectors (SPD) to detect decoded quantum states. These can form a significant portion of the cost and the physical layer vulnerabilities in a QKD system. Previously, a single-detector architecture which reduced the cost of simple, polarization-encoded fiber QKD systems was proposed, which decoded polarization states into varying fiber delays before reaching a single SPD. We describe the parameter space available for a single detector receiver and, using simulation, optimise performance for a given example. It is demonstrated that the order of state delays can be changed to reduce quantum bit error rate (QBER), and that delay change between states need only exceed some small minimum value in the ns range, which saves on fiber length, weight and cost, as well as loss. We also explore time gating and efficient (asymmetric basis selection) BB84 to reduce QBER. This work improves the understanding and performance of single-SPD-based QKD receivers, allowing simpler and more robust receivers with fewer physical loopholes and a lower cost, reducing the barrier to entry of fiber QKD.

•Jul 13, 2024•0 citations

Strategies for Implementing a Single-detector Polarization-encoded Quantum Key Distribution Receiver

Cameron Simmons, Ross J. Donaldson

Discrete-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) requires the use of highly sensitive single-photon detectors (SPD) to detect decoded quantum states. These can form a significant portion of the cost and the physical layer vulnerabilities in a QKD system. Previously, a single-detector architecture which reduced the cost of simple, polarization-encoded fiber QKD systems was proposed, which decoded polarization states into varying fiber delays before reaching a single SPD. We describe the parameter space available for a single detector receiver and, using simulation, optimise performance for a given example. It is demonstrated that the order of state delays can be changed to reduce quantum bit error rate (QBER), and that delay change between states need only exceed some small minimum value in the ns range, which saves on fiber length, weight and cost, as well as loss. We also explore time gating and efficient (asymmetric basis selection) BB84 to reduce QBER. This work improves the understanding and performance of single-SPD-based QKD receivers, allowing simpler and more robust receivers with fewer physical loopholes and a lower cost, reducing the barrier to entry of fiber QKD.

•Dec 4, 2024•1 citation
Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that uses time division multiplexing of a single photon detector between two photon bases in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time induced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we introduce an improved DTBS scheme and implement it based on our previously developed conventional fiber-based QKD system using the B92 protocol. Our DTBS QKD system generates sifted keys at a rate of more than 1 Mbit/s with a quantum bit error rate (QBER) lower than 2% over 1.1 km of fiber.
Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that projects the measurement bases or measured photon values into detection time-bins and then time division multiplexes a single photon detector in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time introduced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we present several DTBS schemes for QKD systems based on attenuated laser pulses and entangled photon sources. We study the security issues of these DTBS schemes, especially the time-bin-shift intercept-resend attack and its countermeasures. A fiber-based DTBS QKD system has been developed and its results are presented in this paper.
Detection-time-bin-shift (DTBS) is a scheme that projects the measurement bases or measured photon values into detection time-bins and then time division multiplexes a single photon detector in a quantum key distribution (QKD) system. This scheme can simplify the structure of a QKD system, reduce its cost and overcome the security problems caused by the dead-time introduced self-correlation and the unbalanced characteristics of detectors. In this paper, we present several DTBS schemes for QKD systems based on attenuated laser pulses and entangled photon sources. We study the security issues of these DTBS schemes, especially the time-bin-shift intercept-resend attack and its countermeasures. A fiber-based DTBS QKD system has been developed and its results are presented in this paper.
Higher Dimensional Quantum Key Distribution (HD-QKD) improves information capacity and security compared to binary QKD systems. Previous HD-QKD implementations have required d+1 (d refers to encoding dimension) single-photon detectors, limiting large-scale implementation. In contrast, another HD-QKD implementation using coherent one-way (COW) protocol hardware with two detectors achieved a secret key rate (SKR) of 155 kbps for an 8-D system and 2.7% QBER tolerance for a 16-D system with qubit scrambling across a time window. In this paper, we theoretically simulate and experimentally demonstrate time-bin encoded HD-QKD using COW protocol hardware with two single-photon detectors operating at standard telecom wavelengths, achieving a remarkable maximum encoding of 6 bits per photon (i.e., 56-d system). Our HD-QKD system incorporates a practical decoy-state technique to counter the photon number splitting attack, allowing greater flexibility in choosing higher mean photon number thereby achieving higher SKR and distances. This implementation demonstrates a remarkable ninefold increase in SKR for a 16-d system (210 kbps over 25 km of standard single-mode fiber) compared to qubit-based systems, with a QBER tolerance of 13.5% for d = 16. Notably, we achieved positive key rates for emulated loss up to 131 km of fiber length for d = 8. By optimizing detector deadtime and mean photon number using our theoretical model, we achieve enhanced key rates and security. Our findings highlight the superiority of our approach and lay the foundation for high throughput HD-QKD implementation, offering a secure and efficient method for transmitting sensitive information.
Discrete-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) requires the use of highly sensitive single-photon detectors (SPD) to detect decoded quantum states. These can form a significant portion of the cost and the physical layer vulnerabilities in a QKD system. Previously, a single-detector architecture which reduced the cost of simple, polarization-encoded fiber QKD systems was proposed, which decoded polarization states into varying fiber delays before reaching a single SPD. We describe the parameter space available for a single detector receiver and, using simulation, optimise performance for a given example. It is demonstrated that the order of state delays can be changed to reduce quantum bit error rate (QBER), and that delay change between states need only exceed some small minimum value in the ns range, which saves on fiber length, weight and cost, as well as loss. We also explore time gating and efficient (asymmetric basis selection) BB84 to reduce QBER. This work improves the understanding and performance of single-SPD-based QKD receivers, allowing simpler and more robust receivers with fewer physical loopholes and a lower cost, reducing the barrier to entry of fiber QKD.
Discrete-variable quantum key distribution (QKD) requires the use of highly sensitive single-photon detectors (SPD) to detect decoded quantum states. These can form a significant portion of the cost and the physical layer vulnerabilities in a QKD system. Previously, a single-detector architecture which reduced the cost of simple, polarization-encoded fiber QKD systems was proposed, which decoded polarization states into varying fiber delays before reaching a single SPD. We describe the parameter space available for a single detector receiver and, using simulation, optimise performance for a given example. It is demonstrated that the order of state delays can be changed to reduce quantum bit error rate (QBER), and that delay change between states need only exceed some small minimum value in the ns range, which saves on fiber length, weight and cost, as well as loss. We also explore time gating and efficient (asymmetric basis selection) BB84 to reduce QBER. This work improves the understanding and performance of single-SPD-based QKD receivers, allowing simpler and more robust receivers with fewer physical loopholes and a lower cost, reducing the barrier to entry of fiber QKD.