Modeling optical fiber space division multiplexed quantum key distribution systems.

Ivana Gasulla,Jose Capmany,Mario Ureña,Francisco Javier Fraile

doi:10.1364/oe.27.007047

Abstract

We report a model to use to evaluate the performance of multiple quantum key distribution (QKD) channel transmission using spatial division multiplexing (SDM) in multicore (MCF) and few-mode fibers (FMF). This model is then used to analyze the feasibility of QKD transmission in 7-core MCFs in two practical scenarios involving the (1) transmission of only QKD channels and (2) simultaneous transmission of QKD and classical channels. In the first case, standard homogeneous MCFs enable transmission distances per core compatible with transmission parameters (distance and net key rate) very close to those of single-core single-mode fibers. For the second case, heterogeneous MCFs must be employed to make this option feasible.

Highlights

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides an intrinsically secure way to distribute such secret keys between remote parties [1,2,3]
We have reported a model to evaluate the performance of multiple QKD channel transmission using spatial division multiplexing in multicore and few-mode fibers
The model has been employed to analyze the feasibility of QKD transmission in 7-core multicore fibers (MCFs) for two scenarios of practical interest

Summary

Introduction

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides an intrinsically secure way to distribute such secret keys between remote parties [1,2,3]. The secrecy of the keys distributed by QKD is verifiable [4], since it relies upon quantum mechanical principles featuring resilience against an eavesdropper. QKD experiments focused upon the feasibility of the technology, starting from proof-of-principle laboratory experiments. Subsequent developments in the field dramatically improved the security, performance, accessibility and reliability of the QKD technology. The secure bit rate has been increased by three orders of magnitude to 1 Mb/s over 50 km fiber thanks to the development of efficient QKD protocol [6] and high-speed single photon detectors [7]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion