Experimental demonstration of free-space decoy-state quantum key distribution over 144 km

T Schmitt-Manderbach, H Weier, M Furst, R Ursin, F Tiefenbacher, T Scheidl, J Perdigues, Z Sodnik, C Kurtsiefer, JG Rarity, A Zeilinger, H Weinfurter

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

694 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We report on the experimental implementation of a Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) protocol type quantum key distribution over a 144 km free-space link using weak coherent laser pulses. Optimization of the link transmission was achieved with bidirectional active telescope tracking, and the security was ensured by employing decoy-state analysis. This enabled us to distribute a secure key at a rate of 12.8 bit/s at an attenuation of about 35 dB. Utilizing a simple transmitter setup and an optical ground station capable of tracking a spacecraft in low earth orbit, this outdoor experiment demonstrates the feasibility of global key distribution via satellites
Translated title of the contributionExperimental demonstration of free-space decoy-state quantum key distribution over 144 km
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)010504/1 - 010504/4
Number of pages4
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume98 (1)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 2007

Bibliographical note

Publisher: APS

Research Groups and Themes

  • QETLabs
  • Photonics and Quantum

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