Analysis of detector performance in a gigahertz clock rate quantum key distribution system

Clarke, P.J. et al. (2011) Analysis of detector performance in a gigahertz clock rate quantum key distribution system. New Journal of Physics, 13(7), 075008. (doi: 10.1088/1367-2630/13/7/075008)

Abstract

We present a detailed analysis of a gigahertz clock rate environmentally robust phase-encoded quantum key distribution (QKD) system utilizing several different single-photon detectors, including the first implementation of an experimental resonant cavity thin-junction silicon single-photon avalanche diode. The system operates at a wavelength of 850 nm using standard telecommunications optical fibre. A general-purpose theoretical model for the performance of QKD systems is presented with reference to these experimental results before predictions are made about realistic detector developments in this system. We discuss, with reference to the theoretical model, how detector operating parameters can be further optimized to maximize key exchange rates.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hadfield, Professor Robert and Tanner, Dr Michael
• Authors: Clarke, P.J., Collins, R.J., Hiskett, P.A., García-Martínez, M.-J., Krichel, N.J., McCarthy, A., Tanner, M.G., O'Connor, J.A., Natarajan, C.M., Miki, S., Sasaki, M., Wang, Z., Fujiwara, M., Rech, I., Ghioni, M., Gulinatti, A., Hadfield, R., Townsend, P., and Buller, G.S.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: New Journal of Physics
• Publisher: Institute of Physics
• ISSN: 1367-2630
• Published Online: 22 July 2011
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschaft
• First Published: First published in New Journal of Physics 13(7):075008
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License