Quantum Key Distribution

TL;DR

This chapter introduces quantum key distribution (QKD), explaining its principles, current state, and a real-world deployment, highlighting the role of diode lasers and future quantum network prospects.

Contribution

It provides an accessible overview of QKD, details a practical deployment example, and discusses future developments in quantum networks.

Findings

Description of a real-world QKD system between Calgary and SAIT

Overview of diode lasers in QKD applications

Discussion on future quantum network developments

Abstract

This chapter describes the application of lasers, specifically diode lasers, in the area of quantum key distribution (QKD). First, we motivate the distribution of cryptographic keys based on quantum physical properties of light, give a brief introduction to QKD assuming the reader has no or very little knowledge about cryptography, and briefly present the state-of-the-art of QKD. In the second half of the chapter we describe, as an example of a real-world QKD system, the system deployed between the University of Calgary and SAIT Polytechnic. We conclude the chapter with a brief discussion of quantum networks and future steps.