Abstract
In-field demonstrations in real-world scenarios boost the development of a rising technology towards its integration in existing infrastructures. Although quantum key distribution (QKD) devices are already adopted outside the laboratories, current field implementations still suffer from high costs and low performances, preventing this emerging technology from a large-scale deployment in telecommunication networks. Here we present a simple, practical and efficient QKD scheme with finite-key analysis, performed over a 21 dB-losses fiber link installed in the metropolitan area of Florence (Italy). Coexistence of quantum and weak classical communication is also demonstrated by transmitting an optical synchronization signal through the same fiber link.
Highlights
In a society based on the continuous exchange of sensitive data and information, the importance of secure and trustful communications is essential
Many field trials were performed on a dark fiber, other experiments tested the coexistence between weak quantum signals and classical intense pulses propagated through the same installed fiber [18,19,20,21]
Classical pulses at 0.145 Mbit/s serve as reference signals for a time tagging unit, which collects the electrical outputs from the two Indium Gallium Arsenide (InGaAs) single-photon avalanche detectors (SPADs) that are employed for quantum state measurements [30]
Summary
In a society based on the continuous exchange of sensitive data and information, the importance of secure and trustful communications is essential.
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