Feasibility of quantum key distribution through dense wavelength division multiplexing network

TL;DR

This study evaluates the feasibility of integrating quantum key distribution with classical communication over the same optical fiber using DWDM technology, highlighting the advantages of homodyne detection in noise suppression and demonstrating multiplexing capabilities through simulations and preliminary experiments.

Contribution

It demonstrates that homodyne detection-based QKD can tolerate multiple classical channels in DWDM networks, providing a practical approach for quantum-secure communications.

Findings

Homodyne detection tolerates more classical channel noise than single photon detection.

GMCS QKD can multiplex with 38 classical channels at 0dBm each over 10km.

Preliminary experiment confirms feasibility with a 100MHz homodyne detector.

Abstract

In this paper, we study the feasibility of conducting quantum key distribution (QKD) together with classical communication through the same optical fiber by employing dense-wavelength-division-multiplexing (DWDM) technology at telecom wavelength. The impact of the classical channels to the quantum channel has been investigated for both QKD based on single photon detection and QKD based on homodyne detection. Our studies show that the latter can tolerate a much higher level of contamination from the classical channels than the former. This is because the local oscillator used in the homodyne detector acts as a "mode selector" which can suppress noise photons effectively. We have performed simulations based on both the decoy BB84 QKD protocol and the Gaussian modulated coherent state (GMCS) QKD protocol. While the former cannot tolerate even one classical channel (with a power of 0dBm), the latter can be multiplexed with 38 classical channels (0dBm power each channel) and still has a secure distance around 10km. Preliminary experiment has been conducted based on a 100MHz bandwidth homodyne detector.