Quantum key distribution with 1.25 Gbps clock synchronization

We have demonstrated the exchange of sifted quantum cryptographic key over a
730 meter free-space link at rates of up to 1.0 Mbps, two orders of magnitude
faster than previously reported results. A classical channel at 1550 nm
operates in parallel with a quantum channel at 845 nm. Clock recovery
techniques on the classical channel at 1.25 Gbps enable quantum transmission at
up to the clock rate. System performance is currently limited by the timing
resolution of our silicon avalanche photodiode detectors. With improved
detector resolution, our technique will yield another order of magnitude
increase in performance, with existing technology.