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Author Wiechers, C.; Lydersen, L.; Wittmann, C.; Elser, D.; Skaar, J.; Marquardt, Ch; Makarov, V.; Leuchs, G.
Title (up) 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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Author Stucki, Damien; Barreiro, Claudio; Fasel, Sylvain; Gautier, Jean-Daniel; Gay, Olivier; Gisin, Nicolas; Thew, Rob; Thoma, Yann; Trinkler, Patrick; Vannel, Fabien; Zbinden, Hugo
Title (up) Continuous high speed coherent one-way quantum key distribution Type Journal Article
Year 2009 Publication Optics Express Abbreviated Journal Opt. Express
Volume 17 Issue 16 Pages 13326-13334
Keywords quantum cryptography, QKD, PNS, SSPD, coherent one way, COW
Abstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) is the first commercial quantum technology operating at the level of single quanta and is a leading light for quantum-enabled photonic technologies. However, controlling these quantum optical systems in real world environments presents significant challenges. For the first time, we have brought together three key concepts for future QKD systems: a simple high-speed protocol; high performance detection; and integration both, at the component level and for standard fibre network connectivity. The QKD system is capable of continuous and autonomous operation, generating secret keys in real time. Laboratory and field tests were performed and comparisons made with robust InGaAs avalanche photodiodes and superconducting detectors. We report the first real world implementation of a fully functional QKD system over a 43dB-loss (150km) transmission line in the Swisscom fibre optic network where we obtained average real-time distribution rates over 3 hours of 2.5bps.
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Call Number RPLAB @ akorneev @ Serial 602
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Author Slysz, W.; Wegrzecki, M.; Bar, J.; Grabiec, P.; Górska, M.; Latta, C.; Zwiller, V.; Pearlman, A.; Cross, A.; Korneev, A.; Kouminov, P.; Smirnov, K.; Voronov, B.; Gol’tsman, G.; Verevkin, A.; Currie, M.; Sobolewski, R.
Title (up) Fiber-coupled quantum-communications receiver based on two NbN superconducting single-photon detectors Type Conference Article
Year 2005 Publication Proc. SPIE Abbreviated Journal Proc. SPIE
Volume 5957 Issue Pages 59571K (1 to 10)
Keywords SSPD, SNSPD, single-photon detectors, quantum communication, quantum cryptography, superconductors, infrared optical detectors
Abstract We present the design and performance of a novel, two-channel single-photon receiver, based on two fiber-coupled NbN superconducting single-photon detectors (SSPDs). The SSPDs are nanostructured superconducting meanders covering an area of 100 μm2 and are known for ultrafast and efficient counting of single, visible-to-infrared photons. Their operation has been explained within a phenomenological hot-electron photoresponse model. Our receiver is intended for fiber-based quantum cryptography and communication systems, operational at near-infrared (NIR) telecommunication wavelengths, λ = 1.3 μm and λ = 1.55 μm. Coupling between the NbN detector and a single-mode optical fiber was achieved using a specially designed, micromechanical photoresist ring, positioned directly over the SSPD active area. The positioning accuracy of the ring was below 1 μm. The receiver with SSPDs was placed (immersed) in a standard liquid-helium transport Dewar and kept without interruption for over two months at 4.2 K. At the same time, the optical fiber inputs and electrical outputs were kept at room temperature. Our best system reached a system quantum efficiency of up to 0.3 % in the NIR radiation range, with the detector coupling efficiency of about 30 %. The response time was measured to be about 250 ps and was limited by our read-out electronics. The measured jitter was close to 35 ps. The presented performance parameters show that our NIR single photon detectors are suitable for practical quantum cryptography and for applications in quantum-correlation experiments.
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Publisher SPIE Place of Publication Editor Rogalski, A.; Dereniak, E.L.; Sizov, F.F.
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Area Expedition Conference Infrared Photoelectronics
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Call Number Serial 1459
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Author Lydersen, Lars; Wiechers, Carlos; Wittmann, Christoffer; Elser, Dominique; Skaar, Johannes; Makarov, Vadim
Title (up) 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 Stucki, D.; Walenta, N.; Vannel, F.; Thew, R.T.; Gisin, N.; Zbinden, H.; Gray, S.; Towery, C. R.; Ten, S.
Title (up) 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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