Systems and methods for enhanced quantum key formation using an actively compensated QKD system
US7853020B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L9/0858
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Systems and methods for enhanced quantum key distribution (QKD) using an actively compensated QKD system. The method includes exchanging quantum signals between first and second QKD stations and measuring the quantum signal error. An error signal SE representative of the system visibility error is then generated. An error-signal threshold STH that defines a system visibility error limit is then selected. Those qubits measured with the condition SE>STH are called “above-threshold” qubits, while those qubits measured with the condition SE≦STH are called “below-threshold” qubits. Only below-threshold qubits are stored and used to form the final quantum key. This is accomplished by sending a blanking signal SB to the memory unit where the qubits are stored. The blanking signal prevents above-threshold qubits from being stored therein. The raw quantum key so formed has few errors and thus forms a longer final quantum key for a given number of exchanged quantum signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.