Free-space quantum key distribution over 144 km

M. Fürst; H. Weier; T. Schmitt-Manderbach; R. Ursin; F. Tiefenbacher; T. Scheidl; M. Lindenthal; B. Blauensteiner; T. Jennewein; P. Trojek; J. M. Perdigues; Z. Sodnik; C. Barbieri; J. G. Rarity; A. Zeilinger; H. Weinfurter

doi:10.1117/12.690174

16 October 2006 Free-space quantum key distribution over 144 km

M. Fürst, H. Weier, T. Schmitt-Manderbach, R. Ursin, F. Tiefenbacher, T. Scheidl, M. Lindenthal, B. Blauensteiner, T. Jennewein, P. Trojek, J. M. Perdigues, Z. Sodnik, C. Barbieri, J. G. Rarity, A. Zeilinger, H. Weinfurter

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 6399, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication Techniques/Applications II and Photonic Components/Architectures for Microwave Systems and Displays; 63990G (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.690174
Event: Optics/Photonics in Security and Defence, 2006, Stockholm, Sweden

Abstract

We report on the experimental implementation of a BB84-type quantum key distribution protocol over a 144 km free-space link using weak coherent laser pulses. The security was assured by employing decoy state analysis, and optimization of the link transmission was achieved with bi-directional active telescope tracking. This enabled us to distribute a secure key at a rate of 11 bits/s at an attenuation of about 35dB. Utilizing a simple transmitter setup and an optical ground station capable of tracking spacecraft in low earth orbit, this outdoor experiment demonstrates the feasibility of global key distribution via satellites.

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M. Fürst, H. Weier, T. Schmitt-Manderbach, R. Ursin, F. Tiefenbacher, T. Scheidl, M. Lindenthal, B. Blauensteiner, T. Jennewein, P. Trojek, J. M. Perdigues, Z. Sodnik, C. Barbieri, J. G. Rarity, A. Zeilinger, and H. Weinfurter "Free-space quantum key distribution over 144 km", Proc. SPIE 6399, Advanced Free-Space Optical Communication Techniques/Applications II and Photonic Components/Architectures for Microwave Systems and Displays, 63990G (16 October 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.690174

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