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Improving twin-field QKD with optical clock technologies

Filippo Levi, Gianluca Bertaina, Cecilia Clivati, Simone Donadello, Carlo Liorni, Alice Meda, Salvatore Virzì, Marco Gramegna, Marco Genovese, Davide Calonico, Massimiliano Dispenza, Ivo Pietro Degiovanni

Published Jan 1, 2024• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Coherent lasers and fiber interferometry tools originally developed for optical clock comparisons can improve the performance of quantum key distribution links in real-world implementations. Here, we quantify the performance achievable under the most common protocols in various link conditions and topologies, also taking into account advanced fiber noise reduction strategies.

DOI
10.1364/cleo_at.2024.aw3d.2

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Nowadays, a technological challenge is to integrate quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols in already present telecommunication fiber networks. Twin-field QKD is one of the most promising techniques on long distances, but requires stabilizing the optical length of the communication channels between parties. Adapting interferometry techniques derived from frequency metrology, we developed a solution for the simultaneous key sharing and channel length control, and we demonstrated it on a 206 km field-deployed fiber with 65 dB loss. Our method reduces the quantum-bit-error-rate contributed by channel length variations to <1%, representing an effective solution for real-world quantum communications.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) allows the sharing of secret cryptographic keys between two distant users, whose intrinsic security is guaranteed by the laws of nature.Nowadays, the most promising technique for the integration of QKD in already deployed long-haul telecommunication fiber networks is the Twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) protocol, but it requires that the communication channel is stable in terms of phase oscillations and it is free from background light, that reduces the transmission key-rate.Recently, we presented a solution [1] to the phase stabilization problem, derived from atomic clocks comparison technology, demonstrating advantages in performances of real word TF-QKD.Here we quantify and characterize the background photons, analyzing in details their effects on the transmission and the practicalities to reduce their contribution to a negligible level.
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