Experimental Demonstration of Free-Space Decoy-State Quantum Key Distribution over 144 km

Abstract

We report on the successful quantum key distribution using attenuated laser pulses over a real distance of 144 km. This link between the Canary islands of La Palma and Tenerife has a path length through atmosphere much longer than from LEO satellites to a ground station and serves as a realistic test bed for future quantum communication to space.