High-dimensional quantum key distribution using dispersive optics

We propose a high-dimensional quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol that employs temporal correlations of entangled photons. The security of the protocol relies on measurements by Alice and Bob in one of two conjugate bases, implemented using dispersive optics. We show that this dispersion-based approach is secure against collective attacks. The protocol, which represents a QKD analog of pulse position modulation, is compatible with standard fiber telecommunications channels and wavelength division multiplexers. We describe several physical implementations to enhance the transmission rate and describe a heralded qudit source that is easy to implement and enables secret-key generation at >4 bits per character of distilled key across over 200 km of fiber.United States. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Information in a Photon Program (United States. Army Research Office Grant W911NF-10-1-0416)Alfred P. Sloan Foundation (Research Fellowship)National Science Foundation (U.S.). Integrative Graduate Education and Research Traineeship (Columbia Optics and Quantum Electronics Grant DGE-1069420