High-dimensional quantum key distribution using energy-time entanglement over 242 km partially deployed fiber

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a long-distance energy-time entangled quantum key distribution system over 242 km of fiber, achieving high-quality entanglement and secure key generation suitable for large-scale quantum networks.

Contribution

It presents an experimental implementation of entanglement-based QKD over deployed fibers with high-dimensional encoding and continuous operation without active calibration.

Findings

Achieved high-visibility Franson interference over 242 km fiber.

Generated secure keys at 0.22 and 0.06 bps in asymptotic and finite regimes.

System operates continuously for over 7 days without active calibration.

Abstract

Entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD) is an essential ingredient in quantum communication, owing to the property of source-independent security and the potential on constructing large-scale quantum communication networks. However, implementation of entanglement-based QKD over long-distance optical fiber links is still challenging, especially over deployed fibers. In this work, we report an experimental QKD using energy-time entangled photon pairs that transmit over optical fibers of 242 km (including a section of 19 km deployed fibers). High-quality entanglement distribution is verified by Franson-type interference with raw fringe visibilities of 94.1$\pm$1.9% and %92.4$\pm$5.4% in two non-orthogonal bases. The QKD is realized through the protocol of dispersive-optics QKD. A high-dimensional encoding is applied to utilize coincidence counts more efficiently. Using reliable, high-accuracy time synchronization technology, the system operates continuously for more than 7 days, even without active polarization or phase calibration. We ultimately generate secure keys with secure key rates of 0.22 bps and 0.06 bps in asymptotic and finite-size regime,respectively. This system is compatible with existing telecommunication infrastructures, showing great potential on realizing large-scale quantum communication networks in future.