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Author Stucki, D.; Walenta, N.; Vannel, F.; Thew, R.T.; Gisin, N.; Zbinden, H.; Gray, S.; Towery, C. R.; Ten, S.
Title High rate long-distance quantum key distribution over 250 km of ultra low loss fibres Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication New J. Phys. Abbreviated Journal
Volume 11 Issue 7 Pages 075003
Keywords SSPD, quantum cryptography, QKD, COW
Abstract We present a fully automated quantum key distribution prototype running at 625 MHz clock rate. Taking advantage of ultra low loss fibres and low-noise superconducting detectors, we can distribute 6,000 secret bits per second over 100 km and 15 bits per second over 250km.
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Call Number RPLAB @ akorneev @ Serial 610
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Author Lydersen, Lars; Wiechers, Carlos; Wittmann, Christoffer; Elser, Dominique; Skaar, Johannes; Makarov, Vadim
Title Hacking commercial quantum cryptography systems by tailored bright illumination Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Nature Photonics Abbreviated Journal Nat. Photon.
Volume 4 Issue 10 Pages 686 - 689
Keywords quantum cryptography, hacking, QKD, APD
Abstract The peculiar properties of quantum mechanics allow two remote parties to communicate a private, secret key, which is protected from eavesdropping by the laws of physics. So-called quantum key distribution (QKD) implementations always rely on detectors to measure the relevant quantum property of single photons. Here we demonstrate experimentally that the detectors in two commercially available QKD systems can be fully remote-controlled using specially tailored bright illumination. This makes it possible to tracelessly acquire the full secret key; we propose an eavesdropping apparatus built of off-the-shelf components. The loophole is likely to be present in most QKD systems using avalanche photodiodes to detect single photons. We believe that our findings are crucial for strengthening the security of practical QKD, by identifying and patching technological deficiencies.
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Call Number RPLAB @ gujma @ Serial 657
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Author Scheel, Stefan
Title Single-photon sources–an introduction Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication J. Modern Opt. Abbreviated Journal
Volume 56 Issue 2-3 Pages 141-160
Keywords LOQC; quantum cryptography; QKD
Abstract This review surveys the physical principles and recent developments in manufacturing single-photon sources. Special emphasis is placed on important potential applications such as linear optical quantum computing (LOQC), quantum key distribution (QKD) and quantum metrology that drive the development of these sources of single photons. We discuss the quantum-mechanical properties of light prepared in a quantum state of definite photon number and compare it with coherent light that shows a Poissonian distribution of photon numbers. We examine how the single-photon fidelity directly influences the ability to transmit secure quantum bits over a predefined distance. The theoretical description of modified spontaneous decay, the main principle behind single-photon generation, provides the background for many experimental implementations such as those using microresonators or pillar microcavities. The main alternative way to generate single photons using postselection of entangled photon pairs from parametric down-conversion, will be discussed. We concentrate on describing the underlying physical principles and we will point out limitations and open problems associated with single-photon production.
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Call Number RPLAB @ gujma @ Serial 669
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Author Lydersen, Lars; Wiechers, Carlos; Wittmann, Christoffer; Elser, Dominique; Skaar, Johannes; Makarov, Vadim
Title Thermal blinding of gated detectors in quantum cryptography Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Optics Express Abbreviated Journal Opt. Express
Volume 18 Issue 26 Pages 27938-27954
Keywords quantum cryptography; QKD; hacking; SPD; APD
Abstract It has previously been shown that the gated detectors of two commercially available quantum key distribution (QKD) systems are blindable and controllable by an eavesdropper using continuous-wave illumination and short bright trigger pulses, manipulating voltages in the circuit [L. Lydersen et al., Nat. Photonics DOI:10.1038/nphoton.2010.214]. This allows for an attack eavesdropping the full raw and secret key without increasing the quantum bit error rate (QBER). Here we show how thermal effects in detectors under bright illumination can lead to the same outcome. We demonstrate that the detectors in a commercial QKD system Clavis2 can be blinded by heating the avalanche photo diodes (APDs) using bright illumination, so-called thermal blinding. Further, the detectors can be triggered using short bright pulses once they are blind. For systems with pauses between packet transmission such as the plug-and-play systems, thermal inertia enables Eve to apply the bright blinding illumination before eavesdropping, making her more difficult to catch.
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Call Number RPLAB @ gujma @ Serial 729
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Author Wiechers, C.; Lydersen, L.; Wittmann, C.; Elser, D.; Skaar, J.; Marquardt, Ch; Makarov, V.; Leuchs, G.
Title After-gate attack on a quantum cryptosystem Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication New J. Phys. Abbreviated Journal
Volume 13 Issue 1 Pages 14
Keywords quantum cryptography; hacking; interception; attack; SPD; APD; QKD
Abstract We present a method to control the detection events in quantum key distribution systems that use gated single-photon detectors. We employ bright pulses as faked states, timed to arrive at the avalanche photodiodes outside the activation time. The attack can remain unnoticed, since the faked states do not increase the error rate per se. This allows for an intercept-resend attack, where an eavesdropper transfers her detection events to the legitimate receiver without causing any errors. As a side effect, afterpulses, originating from accumulated charge carriers in the detectors, increase the error rate. We have experimentally tested detectors of the system id3110 (Clavis2) from ID Quantique. We identify the parameter regime in which the attack is feasible despite the side effect. Furthermore, we outline how simple modifications in the implementation can make the device immune to this attack.
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Call Number RPLAB @ gujma @ Serial 730
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