Quantum key distribution using gaussian-modulated coherent states - Archive ouverte HAL Accéder directement au contenu
Article Dans Une Revue Nature Année : 2003

Quantum key distribution using gaussian-modulated coherent states

Résumé

Quantum continuous variables are being explored as an alternative means to implement quantum key distribution, which is usually based on single photon counting. The former approach is potentially advantageous because it should enable higher key distribution rates. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate a quantum key distribution protocol based on the transmission of gaussian-modulated coherent states (consisting of laser pulses containing a few hundred photons) and shot-noise-limited homodyne detection; squeezed or entangled beams are not required. Complete secret key extraction is achieved using a reverse reconciliation technique followed by privacy amplification. The reverse reconciliation technique is in principle secure for any value of the line transmission, against gaussian individual attacks based on entanglement and quantum memories. Our table-top experiment yields a net key transmission rate of about 1.7 megabits per second for a loss-free line, and 75 kilobits per second for a line with losses of 3.1 dB. We anticipate that the scheme should remain effective for lines with higher losses, particularly because the present limitations are essentially technical, so that significant margin for improvement is available on both the hardware and software.

Dates et versions

hal-00509181 , version 1 (10-08-2010)

Identifiants

Citer

Frédéric Grosshans, Gilles van Assche, Jérôme Wenger, Rosa Tualle-Brouri, Nicolas J. Cerf, et al.. Quantum key distribution using gaussian-modulated coherent states. Nature, 2003, 421, pp.238-241. ⟨hal-00509181⟩
211 Consultations
0 Téléchargements

Altmetric

Partager

Gmail Facebook X LinkedIn More