We report the first demonstration of quantum key distribution over a standard
telecom fiber exceeding 100 km in length. Through careful optimisation of the
interferometer and single photon detector, we achieve a quantum bit error ratio
of 8.9% for a 122km link, allowing a secure shared key to be formed after error
correction and privacy amplification. Key formation rates of up to 1.9 kbit/sec
are achieved depending upon fiber length. We discuss the factors limiting the
maximum fiber length in quantum cryptography
Abstract:We demonstrate a weak pulse quantum key distribution system using the BB84 protocol which is secure against all individual attacks, including photon number splitting. By carefully controlling the weak pulse intensity we demonstrate the maximum secure bit rate as a function of the fibre length. Unconditionally secure keys can be formed for standard telecom fibres exceeding 50 km in length.
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