https://doi.org/10.1140/epjqt/s40507-021-00101-2
Letter
A low cost, short range quantum key distribution system
1
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Bristol, Woodland Road, BS8 1UB, Bristol, UK
2
Institut für Experimentalphysik, Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstraße 25, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
Received:
19
January
2021
Accepted:
29
April
2021
Published online:
26
May
2021
We present a miniaturized quantum key distribution system, designed to augment the more mature quantum key distribution systems currently commercially available. Our device is designed for the consumer market, and so size, weight and power are more important than raw performance. To achieve our form factor, the transmitter is handheld and the receiver is a larger fixed terminal. We envisage users would bring their transmitters to centrally located receivers and exchange keys which they could use at a later point. Transmitting qubits at 80 MHz, the peak key rate is in excess of 20 kbps. The transmitter device fits within an envelope of <150 ml, weighs 65 g and consumes 3.15 W of power.
Key words: Quantum key distribution / Quantum cryptography / Quantum technology / Optics / Security
© The Author(s) 2021
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