NIST has published two new research papers in the *New Journal of Physics* focusing on quantum cryptography. These studies highlight advancements in quantum key distribution (QKD), a method for securely sharing encryption keys using quantum mechanics. One paper describes a QKD system operating at 1310 nm using superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors, which allows for high-speed key generation—up to 10 kbit/s over 50 km of fiber. This system outperforms traditional silicon-based detectors and is well-suited for use alongside standard telecom signals at 1550 nm.
The second paper discusses the development of high-speed electronics needed to handle the large amounts of data generated by QKD systems operating at gigahertz rates. Using field-programmable gate arrays, NIST has achieved post-processing speeds that can generate encryption keys at over 1 Mb/s. These advances in timing resolution and data handling are critical for making quantum communication systems faster and more practical for real-world use.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/itl/new-journal-physics-publishes-quantum-papers
Keywords: quantum key distribution, superconducting single-photon detectors, high-speed systems
