Analysis of Differential Phase Shift Quantum Key Distribution using single-photon detectors

We investigated the performance of differential phase shift quantum key distribution using InGaAs/InP and Silicon-APD (avalanche photo diode) for generating secure keys, secure communication distance, and bit error rates under the various operating conditions.We compare the quantum bit error rate and the secure key generation rate as a function of communication length.Our simulation results show that with frequency conversion at telecommunication wavelength the silicon-APD contributes in enhanced communication rates and higher communication distances than InGaAs/InP APD for optical fiber-based quantum key distribution applications.