From Event: SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics, 2023
Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the sharing of secret cryptographic keys between two distant users, whose intrinsic security is guaranteed by the laws of nature. Nowadays, the most promising technique for the integration of QKD in already deployed long-haul telecommunication fiber networks is the Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) protocol, but it requires that the communication channel is stable in terms of phase oscillations and it is free from background light, that reduces the transmission key-rate. Recently, we presented a solution to the phase stabilization problem, derived from atomic clocks comparison technology, demonstrating advantages in performances of real word TF-QKD. Here we quantify and characterize the background photons, analyzing in details their effects on the transmission and the practicalities to reduce their contribution to a negligible level.
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S. Virzì, A. Meda, C. Clivati, S. Donadello, C. Liorni, G. Bertaina, M. Gramegna, I. P. Degiovanni, M. Dispenza, M. Genovese, and D. Calonico, "Characterizing background photons and dark counts in real field TF-QKD setup," Proc. SPIE 12570, Quantum Optics and Photon Counting 2023, 125700E (Presented at SPIE Optics + Optoelectronics: April 27, 2023; Published: 6 June 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2669073.