Hadfield, R.
, Habif, J.
, Schlafer, J.
, Schwall, R.
and Nam, S.
(2006),
Quantum key distribution at 1550 nm with twin superconducting single-photon detectors, Applied Physics Letters, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=32333
(Accessed October 7, 2025)
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Quantum key distribution at 1550 nm with twin superconducting single-photon detectors
Published
Author(s)
, Jonathan L. Habif, John Schlafer, ,
Abstract
The authors report on the full implementation of a superconducting detector technology in a fiber-based quantum key distribution (QKD) link. Nanowire-based superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs) offer single-photon detection with low dark counts, low jitter, and short recovery times. These detectors are highly promising candidates for future high key rate QKD links operating at 1550 nm. The authors use twin SSPDs to perform the BB84 protocol in a 1550 nm fiber-based QKD link clocked at 3.3 MHz. They exchange secure key over a distance of 42.5 km in telecom fiber and demonstrate that secure key can be transmitted over a total link loss exceeding 12 dB.Citation
Applied Physics Letters
Volume
89
Issue
241129
Pub Type
Journals
Download Paper
Keywords
quantum communication, quantum cryptography, quantum key distribution, single photon detector, superconducting detector
Citation
Issues
If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].
Created December 14, 2006, Updated October 12, 2021