High speed coherent one-way quantum key distribution prototype

Understand

We report the first real world implementation of a Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) system over a 43dB-loss transmission line in the Swisscom fibre optic network.

• The QKD system is capable of continuous and autonomous operation and uses the coherent one-way (COW) protocol.
• This system brings together three key concepts for future QKD systems: a simple high-speed protocol; high performance detection; and integration, both at the component level as well for connectivity with standard fibre networks.
• Here, we show laboratory and field trial results for this system.