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Applied Physics Letters

Backscattering limitation for fiber-optic quantum key distribution systems

Darius Subacius, Anton Zavriyev, Alexei S. Trifonov

Published Dec 22, 2004• 78 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We characterized backscattering effects in optical fiber using a photon counting technique and considered its implications for quantum key distribution (QKD). We found that Rayleigh (elastic) backscattering can put strong limitations on a two-way QKD system’s performance. Raman (inelastic) scattering can restrict the ability of wavelength multiplexing of a quantum channel with strong classical data channel(s).

DOI
10.1063/1.1842862

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We characterized backscattering effects in optical fiber using a photon counting technique and considered its implications for quantum key distribution (QKD). We found that Rayleigh (elastic) backscattering can put strong limitations on a two-way QKD system’s performance. Raman (inelastic) scattering can restrict the ability of wavelength multiplexing of a quantum channel with strong classical data channel(s).
Quantum communications is an emerging field with many promising applications. Its usefulness and range of applicability in optical fiber will depend strongly on the extent to which quantum channels can be reliably transported over transparent reconfigurable optical networks, rather than being limited to dedicated point-to-point links. This presents a number of challenges, particularly when single-photon quantum and much higher power classical optical signals are combined onto a single physical infrastructure to take advantage of telecom networks built to carry conventional traffic. In this paper, we report on experimental demonstrations of successful quantum key distribution (QKD) in this complex environment, and on measurements of physical-layer impairments, including Raman scattering from classical optical channels, which can limit QKD performance. We then extend the analysis using analytical models incorporating impairments, to investigate QKD performance while multiplexed with conventional data channels at other wavelengths. Finally, we discuss the implications of these results for evaluating the most promising domains of use for QKD in real-world optical networks.
Almost all Quantum Key Distribution experiments in optical fibers performed so far have used the so called “dark fibers,” which are exclusively used as the quantum channel. As quantum communications make its way towards commercial applications, there is a clear advantage in using fibers with simultaneous classical signals, via wavelength multiplexing, for that purpose. We show what is the noise impact of transmitting classical optical signals alongside a quantum channel for a fixed fiber length.
The primary goal in this paper is to verify the possibility of combining a quantum channel into a single optical fiber with other classical channels by using the so-called attenuation method. Since the quantum channel is very weak in terms of power, combining it into a single fiber with much more powerful classical channels is challenging. Thus, sufficiently high-quality filtering is important to avoid possible crosstalk. A second and more difficult problem to address is the interference caused by Raman noise, which increases with the fiber length and is also dependent on the input power of the classical channel. Thus, in this paper the focus is on the possibility of suppressing the Raman noise effect, both in advance by means of wavelength positioning and by means of installed optical components. Such phenomena must be considered in the route design, as the quantum channel must be placed at a suitable wavelength with respect to the classical channels. The influence of other nonlinear phenomena has been neglected. In this paper, a practical experiment aimed at building a fully functional multiplexed quantum key distribution link is also described.
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Integrating Quantum Key Distribution service with classical high-speed optical data transmission using a dense wavelength division multiplexing technique in a fiber is a cost-effective solution to improve the network's security. In this multichannel system, several noise sources degrade the quality of the quantum channel. The dominant degradation effect is determined by modeling in different cases. Optical filtering cannot decrease spontaneous Raman Scattering caused by the classical optical channels. So this nonlinear optical effect is investigated in detail with different system parameter setups. The optimal channel allocation and the required bandgap between the classical and quantum channels are determined.