Abstract
We present the first quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment over multicore fiber. With space division multiplexing, we demonstrate that weak QKD signals can coexist with classical data signals launched at full power in a 53 km 7-core fiber, while showing negligible degradation in performance. Based on a characterization of intercore crosstalk, we perform additional simulations highlighting that classical data bandwidths beyond 1Tb/s can be supported with high speed QKD on the same fiber.
Highlights
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is emerging as a powerful technique for secure distribution of encryption keys between remote parties [1,2,3,4]
We present the first quantum key distribution (QKD) experiment over multicore fiber
We demonstrate that weak QKD signals can coexist with classical data signals launched at full power in a 53 km 7-core fiber, while showing negligible degradation in performance
Summary
Quantum key distribution (QKD) is emerging as a powerful technique for secure distribution of encryption keys between remote parties [1,2,3,4]. Multiplexing QKD into data-populated SSMF has been explored, but it constrains either the communication distance or the launched data laser power and maximum bandwidth [8, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25] These constraints are a consequence of signal contamination to the quantum channel by the Raman photons generated by the strong data signals in the same fiber. Future MCF deployment could allocate one core for quantum signals only, permitting simultaneous transmission of QKD and data signals through the same fiber without severe restriction on the data launch power or bandwidth. This opportunity has not been explored to date, . A simulation based on the measured parameters shows that MCF can support a simultaneous transmission of QKD and Tb/s data in the same fiber
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