Optical-switched Quantum Key Distribution Network

P. Toliver, Robert J. Runser, Thomas E. Chapuran +11 more

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables unconditional physical layer security for the distribution of cryptographic key material. However, most experimental demonstrations have relied on simple point-to-point optical links. In this paper we investigate the compatibility of QKD with reconfigurable optical networks. By performing the first tests of QKD transmission through optical switches, we study if there are impairment mechanisms other than switch insertion loss that impact the sifted and error corrected secret bit yield. Three types of transparent optical switch elements are investigated including lithium niobate (LiNbO/sub 3/), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and optomechanical. We show that QKD can be extended beyond point-to-point links to switched multinode architectures including protected ring networks to enhance quantum channel availability.

Siyu Ren, Yu Wang, Xiaolong Su

Francesca Rossi

Hsin‐Hung Lin, Shyh‐Lin Tsao

In this paper, we propose a 16x16 optical communication wavelength-switching network with quantum key distribution. We analyze the quantum ke distribution with considering the relationship betwee wavelength-switch bandwidth and distortion for 16x16 Dilated Benes optical wavelength-switching networks. We compare the performance of the quantum key distribution for wavelength-switching bandwidth in a 16x16 optical communication system, based on 2.5 Gbps, 10Gbps and 40Gbps, respectively.

K. Yoshino

Robert J. Runser, Thomas E. Chapuran, P. Toliver +8 more

Recent advances in quantum key distribution (QKD) systems for optical networks are presented including a system that is compatible with dynamic reconfiguration of the quantum channel using optical switches.