Low cost and compact quantum key distribution

J L Duligall, M S Godfrey, K A Harrison, W J Munro, J G Rarity
2006 New Journal of Physics  
We present the design of a novel free-space quantum cryptography system, complete with purpose-built software, that can operate in daylight conditions. The transmitter and receiver modules are built using inexpensive off-the-shelf components. Both modules are compact allowing the generation of renewed shared secrets on demand over a short range of a few metres. An analysis of the software is shown as well as results of error rates and therefore shared secret yields at varying background light
more » ... vels. As the system is designed to eventually work in short-range consumer applications, we also present a use scenario where the consumer can regularly 'top up' a store of secrets for use in a variety of one-time-pad and authentication protocols.
doi:10.1088/1367-2630/8/10/249 fatcat:n36xdbbgqnfm5nw4slyyenpsj4