Patent ID: 8073336

Claim:
An entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD) system with active phase tracking and stabilization, comprising: a state-preparation stage (Charlie) having a pump laser that generates pump pulses of a first wavelength; a reference laser used to create reference pulses having a second wavelength; and an up-down conversion unit that comprises: a) a frequency-doubling element adapted to receive the pump pulses and form therefrom frequency-doubled pulses, and b) an entangled photon generator optically coupled to the frequency-doubling element and adapted to receive each frequency-doubled pulse and form therefrom corresponding entangled idler and signal photons of said first wavelength; first and second QKD stations (Alice and Bob) optically coupled to Charlie and each adapted to receive and detect one of the entangled idler and signal photons and one of the references pulses, wherein Alice and Bob have respective first and second phase-delay loops with respective first and second phase differences and respective first and second adjustable phase-delay elements; and a controller operably coupled to Alice and Bob that processes the detected reference signals to create a phase-correction signal that is used to adjust at least one of the first and second adjustable phase-delay elements.