Active stabilization of a one-way QKD system
US7587049B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0852
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A one-way stabilized QKD system (10) that utilizes a control signal (CS) and a quantum signal (QS) that travel the same path through the system from a first QKD station (Alice) to a second QKD station (Bob). The control signal is detected at Bob and used to stabilize Bob's side of the interferometer against phase variations. The system also includes a polarization control stage (200) that controls (e.g., scrambles) the polarization of the photons entering Bob. The combination of the polarization control and the active phase stabilization of the interferometer at Bob's end allows for the stable operation of the interferometer when used as part of a one-way QKD system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.