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

arXiv:quant-ph/0612130 · IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics

Passive Optical Network Approach to Gigahertz-Clocked Multiuser Quantum Key Distribution

Verónica Fernández, Robert John Collins, Karen J. Gordon, Paul D. Townsend, Gerald S. Buller

Published Jan 17, 2007• 61 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We present the application of quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies to fiber-based broad-band passive optical access networks. This application is based on our 850-nm wavelength gigahertz clock-rate single-receiver system, is compatible with existing telecommunications fiber and exploits a wavelength band not currently utilized in access networks. The developed QKD networks are capable of transmitting over distances consistent with the span of access links for metropolitan networks (10 km), at clock frequencies ranging up to 3 GHz

DOI
10.1109/jqe.2006.887175

Related papers

Gigahertz-clocked quantum key distribution in passive optical networks

Verónica Fernández, Robert J. Collins, Karen J. Gordon +2 more

In this paper we demonstrate the application of multi-user quantum key distribution (QKD) to typical broadband fibrebased passive optical access links to metropolitan area networks. We propose a technique to utilize the currently unused 850nm waveband in standard telecommunications fiber for QKD in two network architectures. Net bit rates of up to 100's of kilobits-1 were achieved for each receiver, depending on the network topology. The transmission distances between sender and receivers were compatible with the typical span of optical access links ( ≤ 10km).

arXiv:quant-ph/0605046•Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Sep 9, 2007•1 citation

A short wavelength GigaHertz clocked fiber-optic quantum key distribution system

Karen J. Gordon, Verónica Fernández, Paul D. Townsend +1 more

A quantum key distribution (QKD) system has been developed, using a standard telecommunications optical fiber, which is capable of operating at clock rates of greater than 1 GHz. The QKD system implements a polarization encoded version of the B92 protocol. The system employs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with emission wavelengths of 850 nm as weak coherent light sources, and silicon single photon avalanche diodes as the single photon detectors. A distributed feedback laser of emission wavelength 1.3 /spl mu/m, and a linear gain germanium avalanche photodiode was used to optically synchronize individual photons over the standard telecommunications fiber. The QKD system exhibited a quantum bit error rate (QBER) of 1.4%, and an estimated net bit rate (NBR) greater than 100 000 bits/sup -1/ for a 4.2-km transmission range. For a 10-km fiber range, a QBER of 2.1%, and an estimated NBR of greater than 7000 bits/sup -1/ was achieved.

arXiv:quant-ph/0605222•IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics•Jun 30, 2004•158 citations

Gigahertz Clocked Quantum Key Distribution in Passive Optical Networks

Verónica Fernández, Robert John Collins, Karen J. Gordon +2 more

Two multi-user approaches to fiber-based quantum key distribution systems operating at gigahertz clock frequencies are presented, both compatible with standard telecommunications fiber

IEEE/LEOS Summer Topical Meetings•Sep 22, 2006•2 citations

Quantum key distribution in a multi-user network at gigahertz clock rates

Verónica Fernández, Karen J. Gordon, Robert John Collins +4 more

In recent years quantum information research has lead to the discovery of a number of remarkable new paradigms for information processing and communication. These developments include quantum cryptography schemes that offer unconditionally secure information transport guaranteed by quantum-mechanical laws. Such potentially disruptive security technologies could be of high strategic and economic value in the future. Two major issues confronting researchers in this field are the transmission range (typically <100km) and the key exchange rate, which can be as low as a few bits per second at long optical fiber distances. This paper describes further research of an approach to significantly enhance the key exchange rate in an optical fiber system at distances in the range of 1-20km. We will present results on a number of application scenarios, including point-to-point links and multi-user networks. Quantum key distribution systems have been developed, which use standard telecommunications optical fiber, and which are capable of operating at clock rates of up to 2GHz. They implement a polarization-encoded version of the B92 protocol and employ vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with emission wavelengths of 850 nm as weak coherent light sources, as well as silicon single-photon avalanche diodes as the single photon detectors. The point-to-point quantum key distribution system exhibited a quantum bit error rate of 1.4%, and an estimated net bit rate greater than 100,000 bits-1 for a 4.2 km transmission range.

arXiv:quant-ph/0605052•Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jul 7, 2005•7 citations

A quantum key distribution system operating at gigahertz clock rates

Karen J. Gordon, Verónica Fernández, Gerald S. Buller +3 more

A fiber-optic based quantum key distribution system, operating at a wavelength of 850 nm, has been developed capable of operating up to a clock frequency of 1 GHz, creating significantly increased key exchange rates.

Conference on Lasers and Electro-Optics•Jan 1, 2004•0 citations

Quantum key distribution over optical access networks

Slaviša Aleksić, Dominic Winkler, Gerald Franzl +3 more

It is well known that optical access networks are able to provide high data rates over long distances and to a reasonable number of users. Security and privacy are always a challenge for public accessible network infrastructures. Especially in time-division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs), in which the downstream signal is broadcasted to all users connected via the same wavelength channel in a shared fiber link, privacy can be a critical concern. Although encryption at the application layer can provide a high level of security, this can be achieved only if the encryption key distribution is perfectly save. On the other hand, encryption on the physical layer such as quantum cryptography or, more precisely, quantum key distribution (QKD) is a very promising approach to achieve secure communication. However, there remain several issues that have to be solved before the quantum cryptography reaches the maturity level needed for a cost effective implementation in practical networks. In this paper, we address quantum key distribution (QKD) over passive optical access networks, which is an enabling technology required to cost efficiently deploy practical quantum encrypted data communication in the access area. We study different methods to integrate QKD systems in conventional optical access networks and quantitatively evaluate their suitability for a potential implementation.

European Conference on Networks and Optical Communications•Jul 1, 2013•30 citations
We present the application of quantum key distribution (QKD) technologies to fiber-based broad-band passive optical access networks. This application is based on our 850-nm wavelength gigahertz clock-rate single-receiver system, is compatible with existing telecommunications fiber and exploits a wavelength band not currently utilized in access networks. The developed QKD networks are capable of transmitting over distances consistent with the span of access links for metropolitan networks (10 km), at clock frequencies ranging up to 3 GHz
In this paper we demonstrate the application of multi-user quantum key distribution (QKD) to typical broadband fibrebased passive optical access links to metropolitan area networks. We propose a technique to utilize the currently unused 850nm waveband in standard telecommunications fiber for QKD in two network architectures. Net bit rates of up to 100's of kilobits-1 were achieved for each receiver, depending on the network topology. The transmission distances between sender and receivers were compatible with the typical span of optical access links ( ≤ 10km).
A quantum key distribution (QKD) system has been developed, using a standard telecommunications optical fiber, which is capable of operating at clock rates of greater than 1 GHz. The QKD system implements a polarization encoded version of the B92 protocol. The system employs vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with emission wavelengths of 850 nm as weak coherent light sources, and silicon single photon avalanche diodes as the single photon detectors. A distributed feedback laser of emission wavelength 1.3 /spl mu/m, and a linear gain germanium avalanche photodiode was used to optically synchronize individual photons over the standard telecommunications fiber. The QKD system exhibited a quantum bit error rate (QBER) of 1.4%, and an estimated net bit rate (NBR) greater than 100 000 bits/sup -1/ for a 4.2-km transmission range. For a 10-km fiber range, a QBER of 2.1%, and an estimated NBR of greater than 7000 bits/sup -1/ was achieved.
In recent years quantum information research has lead to the discovery of a number of remarkable new paradigms for information processing and communication. These developments include quantum cryptography schemes that offer unconditionally secure information transport guaranteed by quantum-mechanical laws. Such potentially disruptive security technologies could be of high strategic and economic value in the future. Two major issues confronting researchers in this field are the transmission range (typically <100km) and the key exchange rate, which can be as low as a few bits per second at long optical fiber distances. This paper describes further research of an approach to significantly enhance the key exchange rate in an optical fiber system at distances in the range of 1-20km. We will present results on a number of application scenarios, including point-to-point links and multi-user networks. Quantum key distribution systems have been developed, which use standard telecommunications optical fiber, and which are capable of operating at clock rates of up to 2GHz. They implement a polarization-encoded version of the B92 protocol and employ vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers with emission wavelengths of 850 nm as weak coherent light sources, as well as silicon single-photon avalanche diodes as the single photon detectors. The point-to-point quantum key distribution system exhibited a quantum bit error rate of 1.4%, and an estimated net bit rate greater than 100,000 bits-1 for a 4.2 km transmission range.
It is well known that optical access networks are able to provide high data rates over long distances and to a reasonable number of users. Security and privacy are always a challenge for public accessible network infrastructures. Especially in time-division multiplexing passive optical networks (TDM-PONs), in which the downstream signal is broadcasted to all users connected via the same wavelength channel in a shared fiber link, privacy can be a critical concern. Although encryption at the application layer can provide a high level of security, this can be achieved only if the encryption key distribution is perfectly save. On the other hand, encryption on the physical layer such as quantum cryptography or, more precisely, quantum key distribution (QKD) is a very promising approach to achieve secure communication. However, there remain several issues that have to be solved before the quantum cryptography reaches the maturity level needed for a cost effective implementation in practical networks. In this paper, we address quantum key distribution (QKD) over passive optical access networks, which is an enabling technology required to cost efficiently deploy practical quantum encrypted data communication in the access area. We study different methods to integrate QKD systems in conventional optical access networks and quantitatively evaluate their suitability for a potential implementation.