Qubit-based distributed frame synchronization for quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper introduces a qubit-based distributed frame synchronization method for quantum key distribution that improves timing accuracy and loss resistance, enabling more practical and scalable quantum communication systems.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel qubit-based synchronization technique that operates continuously and withstands higher losses, outperforming existing methods like Qubit4Sync.

Findings

Outperforms Qubit4Sync in continuous operation

Resists higher loss environments

Applicable to drone-based QKD and quantum networks

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a method that enables two remote parties to share a secure key string. Clock synchronization between two parties is a crucial step in the normal operation of QKD. Qubit-based synchronization can achieve clock synchronization by transmitting quantum states between two remote parties, eliminating the necessity for hardware synchronization and thereby greatly reducing the hardware requirements of a QKD system. Nonetheless, classical qubit-based synchronization exhibits poor performance in continuous and high-loss systems, hindering its wide applicability in various scenarios. We propose a qubit-based distributed frame synchronization method that can achieve time recovery in a continuously running system and resist higher losses. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the advanced qubit-based synchronization method Qubit4Sync in a continuously running system. We believe our method is applicable to a broad range of QKD scenarios, including drone-based QKD and quantum network construction.