Time-cost analysis of a quantum key distribution system clocked at 100 MHz

TL;DR

This paper presents a 100 MHz quantum key distribution system tested over 12 km fiber, analyzing its time-costs and scalability for practical secure communication.

Contribution

It introduces a high-speed QKD system with software-based postprocessing and provides a detailed time-cost analysis in real-world conditions.

Findings

Achieved a 100 MHz clock rate in a QKD system.

Analyzed the relationship between raw and secret key rates.

Discussed scalability for higher secret key rates.

Abstract

We describe the realization of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system clocked at 100 MHz. The system includes classical postprocessing implemented via software, and is operated over a 12 km standard telecommunication dark fiber in a real-world environment. A time-cost analysis of the sifted, error-corrected, and secret key rates relative to the raw key rate is presented, and the scalability of our implementation with respect to higher secret key rates is discussed.