Fast and user-friendly quantum key distribution

Abstract

Some guidelines for the comparison of different quantum key distribution experiments are proposed. An improved ‘plug & play’ interferometric system allowing fast key exchange is introduced. Self-alignment and compensation of birefringence remain. Original electronics implementing the BB84 protocol and allowing user-friendly operation is presented. Key creation with 0.1 photon per pulse at a rate of 486 Hz with a 5.4% QBER, corresponding to a net rate of 210Hz, over a 23 Km installed cable was performed. © 2000 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.