Abstract

We demonstrate a robust, compact and automated quantum key distribution system, based upon a one-way Mach-Zender interferometer, which is actively compensated for temporal drifts in the photon phase and polarization. The system gives a superior performance to passive compensation schemes with an average quantum bit error rate of 0.87% and a duty cycle of 99.6% for a continuous quantum key distribution session of 19 hours over a 20.3km installed telecom fibre. The results suggest that actively compensated QKD systems are suitable for practical applications.

© 2005 Optical Society of America

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History
Original Manuscript: November 3, 2004
Revised Manuscript: January 19, 2005
Published: January 24, 2005

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Author Affiliations

Zhiliang Yuan, A. Shields

Toshiba Research Europe Ltd

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