A universal setup for active control of a single-photon detector
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NO-7491 Trondheim (Norway)
- Centre for Quantum Technologies and Department of Physics, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 2, Singapore 117543 (Singapore)
- Institute for Quantum Computing and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1 (Canada)
- Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Heisenbergstraße 1, D-70569 Stuttgart (Germany)
The influence of bright light on a single-photon detector has been described in a number of recent publications. The impact on quantum key distribution (QKD) is important, and several hacking experiments have been tailored to fully control single-photon detectors. Special attention has been given to avoid introducing further errors into a QKD system. We describe the design and technical details of an apparatus which allows to attack a quantum-cryptographic connection. This device is capable of controlling free-space and fiber-based systems and of minimizing unwanted clicks in the system. With different control diagrams, we are able to achieve a different level of control. The control was initially targeted to the systems using BB84 protocol, with polarization encoding and basis switching using beamsplitters, but could be extended to other types of systems. We further outline how to characterize the quality of active control of single-photon detectors.
- OSTI ID:
- 22251114
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 1; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Quantum Key Distribution for Critical Infrastructures: Towards Cyber-Physical Security for Hydropower and Dams
Security proof of a three-state quantum-key-distribution protocol without rotational symmetry