Experimental measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution

Understand

Throughout history, every advance in encryption has been defeated by advances in hacking with severe consequences.

• Quantum cryptography holds the promise to end this battle by offering unconditional security when ideal single-photon sources and detectors are employed.
• Unfortunately, ideal devices never exist in practice and device imperfections have become the targets of various attacks.
• By developing up-conversion single-photon detectors with high efficiency and low noise, we build up a measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) system, which is immune to all hacking strategies on detection.