Integrating quantum key distribution with classical communications in backbone fiber network
- 27 February 2018
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Optics Express
- Vol. 26 (5), 6010-6020
- https://doi.org/10.1364/oe.26.006010
Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides information-theoretic security based on the laws of quantum mechanics. The desire to reduce costs and increase robustness in real-world applications has motivated the study of coexistence between QKD and intense classical data traffic in a single fiber. Previous works on coexistence in metropolitan areas have used wavelength-division multiplexing, however, coexistence in backbone fiber networks remains a great experimental challenge, as Tbps data of up to 20 dBm optical power is transferred, and much more noise is generated for QKD. Here we present for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, the integration of QKD with a commercial backbone network of 3.6 Tbps classical data at 21 dBm launch power over 66 km fiber. With 20 GHz pass-band filtering and large effective core area fibers, real-time secure key rates can reach 4.5 kbps and 5.1 kbps for co-propagation and counter-propagation at the maximum launch power, respectively. This demonstrates feasibility and represents an important step towards building a quantum network that coexists with the current backbone fiber infrastructure of classical communications.Keywords
Funding Information
- Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China (MOST) (2017YFA0303900, 2017YFA0304004)
- Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province (1508085J02))
- Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (2015GGX101035)
This publication has 37 references indexed in Scilit:
- Coexistence of High-Bit-Rate Quantum Key Distribution and Data on Optical FiberPhysical Review X, 2012
- Fully integrated InGaAs/InP single-photon detector module with gigahertz sine wave gatingReview of Scientific Instruments, 2012
- Field test of quantum key distribution in the Tokyo QKD NetworkOptics Express, 2011
- Feasibility of quantum key distribution through a dense wavelength division multiplexing networkNew Journal of Physics, 2010
- Quantum key distribution and 1 Gbps data encryption over a single fibreNew Journal of Physics, 2010
- Optical networking for quantum key distribution and quantum communicationsNew Journal of Physics, 2009
- Decoy-state quantum key distribution with large random errors of light intensityPhysical Review A, 2007
- Practical decoy state for quantum key distributionPhysical Review A, 2005
- Decoy State Quantum Key DistributionPhysical Review Letters, 2005
- Beating the Photon-Number-Splitting Attack in Practical Quantum CryptographyPhysical Review Letters, 2005