Researchers at the Cambridge Lab of Toshiba Research Europe have demonstrated the continuous operation of a quantum key distribution (QKD) system with a speed greater than one megabit/sec over a 50 km fiber optic network.

The system could be used by hospitals, banks, or anyone transmitting sensitive data.

The technology will work without user interference, and allows sensitive information to be distributed using “one-time pad” encryption — a theoretically perfect system for secure data transfer.