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Fundamental Research

Toward practical quantum key distribution using telecom components

Hong Mei Guo, Zhengyu Li, Song Yu, Yichen Zhang

Published Jan 1, 2021• 74 citations
Publisher
DOI
10.1016/j.fmre.2020.12.002

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Abstract Quantum key distribution (QKD) is one quantum technology that can provide secure encryption keys for data transmission. The secret key rate (SKR) is a core performance indicator in QKD, which directly determines the transmission rate of enciphered data. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate a high-key-rate Gaussian-modulated continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) using telecom optical components. The framework of CV-QKD over these components is constructed. Specifically, the high-rate low-noise Gaussian modulation of coherent states is realized by a classical optical IQ modulator. High-baud low-intensity quantum signals are received by an integrated coherent receiver under the shot-noise limit. A series of digital signal processing algorithms are proposed to achieve accurate signal recovery and key distillation. The system can yield a high asymptotic SKR of 10.37 Mbps within 20 km standard telecom fiber, and the secure distance can exceed 100 km. This result confirms the feasibility of CV-QKD with state-of-the-art performance using telecom optical components. Besides, due to the ease of integrating these discrete components, it provides a high-performance and miniaturized QKD solution for the metropolitan quantum network.
Abstract Secret key rate is a core performance indicator in implementing quantum key distribution, which directly determines the transmission rate of enciphered data. Here we demonstrate a high-key-rate quantum key distribution system over mature telecom components. The entire framework of quantum key distribution over these components is constructed. The high-rate low-noise Gaussian modulation of coherent states is realized by a classical electro-optic IQ modulator. High-baud low-intensity quantum signals are received by a commercial integrated coherent receiver under the shot-noise limit. A series of digital signal processing algorithms are proposed to achieve accurate signal recovery and key distillation. The system has yield a secret key rate of 10.37 Mbps, 1.61 Mbps, 337.82 kbps, and 58.06 kbps under the standard telecom fiber of 20 km, 50 km, 70 km, and 100 km, respectively. Our results represent the achieved highest secret key generation rate for quantum key distribution using continuous variables at a standard telecom wavelength. Moreover, it breaks the isolation between quantum communication and classical optical communication in terms of components, and opens the way to a high-speed and cost-effective formation of metropolitan quantum secure communication networks.