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Optics Express

Quantum key distribution on a 10Gb/s WDM-PON

Iris Choi, Robert James Young, Paul D. Townsend

Published Apr 23, 2010• 99 citations
Publisher

Abstract

We present the first demonstration of quantum key distribution (QKD) on a multi-user wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network (WDM-PON) with simultaneous, bidirectional 10Gb/s classical channel transmission. The C-Band QKD system operates at a clock rate of 10GHz and employs differential phase shift keying (DPSK). A dual feeder fiber and band filtering scheme is used to suppress classical to quantum channel cross-talk generated by spontaneous Raman scattering, which would otherwise prevent secure key distribution. Quantum keys were distributed to 4 users with negligible Raman cross-talk penalties. The mean QBER value for 4 users was 3.5% with a mean raw key distribution rate of 1.3Mb/s, which decreased to 696kb/s after temporal windowing to reduce inter-symbol interference due to single photon detector timing jitter.

DOI
10.1364/oe.18.009600

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We present the first demonstration of quantum key distribution (QKD) on a multi-user wavelength division multiplexed passive optical network (WDM-PON) with simultaneous, bidirectional 10Gb/s classical channel transmission. The C-Band QKD system operates at a clock rate of 10GHz and employs differential phase shift keying (DPSK). A dual feeder fiber and band filtering scheme is used to suppress classical to quantum channel cross-talk generated by spontaneous Raman scattering, which would otherwise prevent secure key distribution. Quantum keys were distributed to 4 users with negligible Raman cross-talk penalties. The mean QBER value for 4 users was 3.5% with a mean raw key distribution rate of 1.3Mb/s, which decreased to 696kb/s after temporal windowing to reduce inter-symbol interference due to single photon detector timing jitter.
The integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) into passive optical networks (PONs) poses new challenges due to the specific characteristics of the access network, as the high losses from passive splitters and the spontaneous Raman scattering noise generated by classical channels co-propagating in the same optical fiber. In this paper, different QKD technologies and implementations are compared, taking into account both discrete-variable and continuous-variable QKD systems to maximize the achievable secret key rate performance in single-fiber bidirectional PONs.
We demonstrate the realization of quantum key distribution (QKD) when combined with classical optical communication, and synchronous signals within a single optical fiber. In the experiment, the classical communication sources use Fabry-Pérot (FP) lasers, which are implemented extensively in optical access networks. To perform QKD, multistage band-stop filtering techniques are developed, and a wavelength-division multiplexing scheme is designed for the multi-longitudinal-mode FP lasers. We have managed to maintain sufficient isolation among the quantum channel, the synchronous channel and the classical channels to guarantee good QKD performance. Finally, the quantum bit error rate remains below a level of 2% across the entire practical application range. The proposed multiplexing scheme can ensure low classical light loss, and enables QKD over fiber lengths of up to 45 km simultaneously when the fibers are populated with bidirectional FP laser communications. Our demonstration paves the way for application of QKD to current optical access networks, where FP lasers are widely used by the end users.
We provide design guidelines for the integration of quantum key distribution (QKD) into legacy passive optical networks (PONs). Our study addresses the challenge of quantum coexistence with various PON standards in different network topologies. We develop a novel theoretical model to assess the impact of the passive optical distribution network on both the quantum signal and the generation of scattered Raman photons from classical signals. This work also includes an extensive Raman efficiency experimental evaluation over a wide frequency range. The study evaluates the integration of upstream QKD systems in 32- or 64-user PON scenarios, determining quantum-available bandwidths and maximum supported PON lengths. In single-fibre architectures the coexistence with standards having upstream and downstream classical channels in different telecommunication fibre windows (e.g. XG-PON) is extremely challenging due to the pervasive spectrum placement of the spontaneous Raman scattering noise. However dual-feeder architectures (i.e., placing the QKD receiver at the OLT-side of the protection feeder fibre) can significantly enhance QKD performance and support the key-exchange over the entire standardized PON length for most PON standards and even in case of two-PON standard presence. Finally, the dual-fibre topology allows the quantum coexistence in access networks where three classical standards share the same infrastructure.
To improve the potential security threats of WDM-PON access network, a novel WDM-PON based on quantum key distribution FPGA controller of passive decoy state modified model is presented here. QKD FPGA is responsible for 1.25 Gbps upstream PRBS source, clock regeneration, phase modulation control, key sifting, privacy amplification, and upstream time-divided-multiple-access control on quantum channels. An 8-user network experiment shows that over 20 km fibre, the mean secure exchange key rate can reach up to 500 bps in total, with the acceptable quantum bit error rate below safe limit and a few impact on classical channels. This scheme can provide a promising way for the coexistence between quantum key distribution and classical data service.
To improve the potential security threats of WDM-PON access network, a novel WDM-PON based on quantum key distribution FPGA controller of passive decoy state modified model is presented here. QKD FPGA is responsible for 1.25 Gbps upstream PRBS source, clock regeneration, phase modulation control, key sifting, privacy amplification, and upstream time-divided-multiple-access control on quantum channels. An 8-user network experiment shows that over 20 km fibre, the mean secure exchange key rate can reach up to 500 bps in total, with the acceptable quantum bit error rate below safe limit and a few impact on classical channels. This scheme can provide a promising way for the coexistence between quantum key distribution and classical data service.