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Free-space quantum cryptography

Conference ·
OSTI ID:348944

An experimental free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) system has been tested over an outdoor optical path of {approximately}1 km under nighttime conditions at Los Alamos National Laboratory. This system employs the Bennett 92 protocol; here the authors give a brief overview of this protocol, and describe the experimental implementation of it. An analysis of the system efficiency is presented, as well as a description of the error detection protocol, which employs a two-dimensional parity check scheme. Finally, the susceptibility of this system to eavesdropping by various techniques is determined. Possible applications include the rekeying of satellites in low earth orbit.

Research Organization:
Los Alamos National Lab., NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Assistant Secretary for Management and Administration, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-36
OSTI ID:
348944
Report Number(s):
LA-UR--98-3962; CONF-980897--; ON: DE99002543
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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