QKD stations with fast optical switches and QKD systems using same
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United States of America Patent
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Sep 1, 2009
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app pub date -
Jul 28, 2006
filing date -
Jul 28, 2006
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Abstract
The quantum key distribution (QKD) systems (200, 300, 400) of the invention includes first and second QKD stations (Alice and Bob) according to the present invention, wherein either one or both QKD stations include fast optical switches (120, 220, 310, 320). Each fast optical switch is respectively optically coupled to two different round-trip optical paths (OP1 and OP2 at Alice, OP3 and OP4 at Bob) of different length that define respective optical path differences OPD.sub.A and OPD.sub.B, wherein OPD.sub.A=OPD.sub.B. By switching the fast optical switches using timed switching signals (S1-S3 at Alice, S4-S6 at Bob) from their corresponding controllers (CA at Alice, CB at Bob), the quantum signals--which can be single-photon or weak-coherent pulses--can be generated from a single optical pulse (112), randomly selectively encoded while traversing the optical paths in Alice and Bob, and then interfered and measured (detected) at Bob. The QKD system has less loss as compared to conventional fiber-based QKD systems because it omits at least some of the beamsplitters in conventional QKD systems.
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