Secure communications on passive optical networks using quantum cryptography

Secure operation of a passive optical network is demonstrated using a quantum cryptographic key distribution system operating at a wavelength of 1.3 /spl mu/m. In conclusion we have used quantum cryptography to perform the first verifiably-secure transmission of information over a shared-access PON. The implications of quantum cryptography as a radical new approach for the protection of sensitive information are only just beginning to emerge.