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Practical free-space quantum key distribution over 1 km

W. T. Buttler·R. J. Hughes·P. G. Kwiat·S. K. Lamoreaux·G. G. Luther·G. L. Morgan·J. E. Nordholt·C. G. Peterson·C. M. Simmons
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Abstract

A working free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) system has been developed and tested over an outdoor optical path of ~1 km at Los Alamos National Laboratory under nighttime conditions. Results show that QKD can provide secure real-time key distribution between parties who have a need to communicate secretly. Finally, we examine the feasibility of surface to satellite QKD.

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W. T. Buttler, R. J. Hughes, P. G. Kwiat, S. K. Lamoreaux, G. G. Luther, G. L. Morgan, J. E. Nordholt, C. G. Peterson, C. M. Simmons. 1998-05-22. Practical free-space quantum key distribution over 1 km. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.81.3283

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