Journal of Lightwave Technology

Quantum Key Distribution Based Physical Layer Security Applied in Complex Modulation Formats for Optical Fiber Links

Θωμάς Νίκας, Eleftherios Rousas, Georgios Pekridis, Sotiris Karabetsos, Dimitris Syvridis

Published Sep 1, 2026• 0 citations

Abstract

A Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) based Physical Layer Security (PLS) scheme (QKD-PLS) for optical fiber links is proposed and evaluated. In detail, a novel amplitude and phase scrambling technique for exploiting and seamlessly integrating high key rate QKD for the encryption of the modulation parameters of conventional complex modulation schemes like M-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (M-QAM) and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) is described. The technique masks the information at the bit level and blocks unauthorized access to the higher layer encrypted bitstream. Scrambling is applied to both the preamble (pilot) and payload segments of the transmission frame, to prevent the eavesdroppers from performing vital receiver functions such as frame synchronization and channel estimation. Additionally, a practical Key Management System (KMS) which takes care of all synchronization processes is developed and introduced. Experimental transmission scenario in fiber links is also presented and depicts the efficacy of the QKD-PLS. Moreover, another advantage of QKD exploitation to the proposed solution comes from the application of kbps-rate QKD keys which feed pseudo-random number generators, to modify the broadband modulation symbols in one-time pad, therefore significantly improving data protection.

DOI: 10.1109/jlt.2026.3729609

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