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Key Pre Distribution Using Quantum Key Channel

S. D. Sharukh Pasha, Aniruddha Ram

Published Jan 1, 2014• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

Modern optical networking techniques have the potential to greatly extend the applicability of quantum communications by moving beyond simple point-to-point optical links, and by leveraging existing fibre infrastructures. We experimentally demonstrate many of the fundamental capabilities that are required. These include optical-layer multiplexing, switching, and routing of quantum signals; quantum key distribution (QKD) in a dynamically reconfigured optical network; and coexistence of quantum signals with strong conventional telecom traffic on the same fibre. We successfully operate QKD at 1310 nm over a fibre shared with four optically amplified data channels near 1550 nm. We identify the dominant impairment as spontaneous anti- Stokes Raman scattering of the strong signals, quantify its impact, and measure and model its propagation through fibre. We describe a quantum networking architecture which can provide the flexibility and scalability likely to be critical for supporting widespread deployment of quantum

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Modern optical networking techniques have the potential to greatly extend the applicability of quantum communications by moving beyond simple point-to-point optical links, and by leveraging existing fibre infrastructures. We experimentally demonstrate many of the fundamental capabilities that are required. These include optical-layer multiplexing, switching, and routing of quantum signals; quantum key distribution (QKD) in a dynamically reconfigured optical network; and coexistence of quantum signals with strong conventional telecom traffic on the same fibre. We successfully operate QKD at 1310 nm over a fibre shared with four optically amplified data channels near 1550 nm. We identify the dominant impairment as spontaneous anti- Stokes Raman scattering of the strong signals, quantify its impact, and measure and model its propagation through fibre. We describe a quantum networking architecture which can provide the flexibility and scalability likely to be critical for supporting widespread deployment of quantum
Modern optical networking techniques have the potential to greatly extend the applicability of quantum communications by moving beyond simple point-to-point optical links and by leveraging existing fibre infrastructures. We experimentally demonstrate many of the fundamental capabilities that are required. These include optical-layer multiplexing, switching and routing of quantum signals; quantum key distribution (QKD) in a dynamically reconfigured optical network; and coexistence of quantum signals with strong conventional telecom traffic on the same fibre. We successfully operate QKD at 1310 nm over a fibre shared with four optically amplified data channels near 1550 nm. We identify the dominant impairment as spontaneous anti-Stokes Raman scattering of the strong signals, quantify its impact, and measure and model its propagation through fibre. We describe a quantum networking architecture which can provide the flexibility and scalability likely to be critical for supporting widespread deployment of quantum applications.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is an emerging technology for secure distribution of keys between users linked by free-space or fiber optic transmission facilities. QKD has usually been designed for and operated over dedicated point-to-point links. However, the commercial world has been developing increasingly sophisticated fiber networks, with basic networking functions such as routing and multiplexing performed in the optical domain. One of the most important practical questions for the future of QKD is to what extent it can benefit from these trends, either to expand the capabilities of dedicated quantum networks, or to avoid the need for dedicated networks by combining quantum and conventional optical signals onto a single infrastructure. In this paper, we report on systematic investigations of these issues using a 1310-nm weak-coherent, phase-encoded B92 prototype QKD system developed by Los Alamos that includes the implementation of error correction, privacy amplification, and authentication. We have demonstrated reconfigurability of QKD networks via optical switching and successful QKD operation in the presence of amplified DWDM signals over 10 km of fiber. We have identified anti-Stokes Raman scattering of the DWDM signals in the fiber as a dominant transmission impairment for QKD, and developed filtering architectures to extend transmission distances to at least 25 km. We have also measured noise backgrounds and polarization variations in network fibers to understand applicability to real-world networks. We will discuss the implications of our results for the choice of QKD wavelengths, wavelength-spacing between QKD and conventional channels, and QKD network architectures.
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.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) offers unconditional information security by allowing two distant users to establish a common encryption key resilient to hacking. Resultingly, QKD networks interconnecting critical infrastructure and enabling the secure exchange of classified information, can provide a solution to the increasing number of successful cyberattacks. To efficiently deploy quantum networks, the technology must be integrated over existing communication infrastructure, such as optical fibre links. Yet, QKD poses stringent requirements on the conditions of the network over which it is deployed. This work demonstrates the first quantum communication network in Cyprus via the deployment of a multi-node quantum network, exploiting existing commercial underground optical fibre. The network employs bidirectional occupation of fibres and wavelength multiplexing in a ring architecture to achieve, with minimal use of dark fibres, high-rate QKD. Results obtained reveal consistent key generation rates across all nodes, confirming reliable operation in a real-world environment. This deployment highlights the feasibility of leveraging existing telecom infrastructure for quantum-secured communication, marking a significant step toward scalable and cost-effective quantum networks suited for critical applications.
In this paper, we demonstrate for the first time, the coexistence architectures which enable quantum cryptographic systems to use the emerging optical network infrastructure. A vision of a future network that combines classical optical communications with ultra-low power quantum signals over a shared, reconfigurable fiber infrastructure is illustrated. We have used a fiber quantum key distribution (QKD) system to experimentally measure the effective QKD throughput for various types of optical switch elements, including opto-mechanical, lithium niobate, and 2D MEMS. We have investigated QKD coexistence with a commercial EDFA-amplified DWDM system using the experimental setup. These results are an important first step for scaling QKD beyond dedicated point-to-point fiber links and provide a context for understanding the applicability of QKD to the broader optical networking environment.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides an attractive means for securing communications in optical fibre networks. However, deployment of the technology has been hampered by the frequent need for dedicated dark fibres to segregate the very weak quantum signals from conventional traffic. Up until now the coexistence of QKD with data has been limited to bandwidths that are orders of magnitude below those commonly employed in fibre optic communication networks. Using an optimised wavelength divisional multiplexing scheme, we transport QKD and the prevalent 100 Gb/s data format in the forward direction over the same fibre for the first time. We show a full quantum encryption system operating with a bandwidth of 200 Gb/s over a 100 km fibre. Exploring the ultimate limits of the technology by experimental measurements of the Raman noise, we demonstrate it is feasible to combine QKD with 10 Tb/s of data over a 50 km link. These results suggest it will be possible to integrate QKD and other quantum photonic technologies into high bandwidth data communication infrastructures, thereby allowing their widespread deployment.