Systems and methods for multiplexing QKD channels
US7809269B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0852
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for multiplexing two or more channels of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system are disclosed. A method includes putting the optical public channel signal (SP1) in return-to-zero (RZ) format in a transmitter (T) in one QKD station (Alice) and amplifying this signal (thereby forming SP1*) just prior to this signal being detected with a detector (30) in a receiver (R) at the other QKD station (Bob). The method further includes precisely gating the detector via a gating element (40) and a coincident signal (PN1′) with pulses that coincide with the expected arrival times of the pulses in the detected (electrical) public channel signal (SP2). This allows for the public channel signal to have much less power, making it more amenable for multiplexing with the other QKD signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.