Experimental investigation of quantum key distribution through transparent optical switch elements

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables unconditional physical layer security for the distribution of cryptographic key material. However, most experimental demonstrations have relied on simple point-to-point optical links. In this paper we investigate the compatibility of QKD with reconfigurable opt...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:IEEE photonics technology letters 2003-11, Vol.15 (11), p.1669-1671
Main Authors: Toliver, P., Runser, R.J., Chapuran, T.E., Jackel, J.L., Banwell, T.C., Goodman, M.S., Hughes, R.J., Peterson, C.G., Derkacs, D., Nordholt, J.E., Mercer, L., McNown, S., Goldman, A., Blake, J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Channels
Cryptography
Insertion loss
Links
Lithium niobates
Microelectromechanical systems
Networks
Optical fiber communication
Optical fiber networks
Optical losses
Optical materials
Optical switches
Optical switching
Performance evaluation
Photonics
Physical layer
Security
Testing
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Summary:Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables unconditional physical layer security for the distribution of cryptographic key material. However, most experimental demonstrations have relied on simple point-to-point optical links. In this paper we investigate the compatibility of QKD with reconfigurable optical networks. By performing the first tests of QKD transmission through optical switches, we study if there are impairment mechanisms other than switch insertion loss that impact the sifted and error corrected secret bit yield. Three types of transparent optical switch elements are investigated including lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and optomechanical. We show that QKD can be extended beyond point-to-point links to switched multinode architectures including protected ring networks to enhance quantum channel availability.
ISSN:1041-1135
1941-0174
DOI:10.1109/LPT.2003.818687