Metro-scale QKD using multimode fiber

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the feasibility of implementing quantum key distribution over multimode fiber in metropolitan networks, achieving high rates over long distances and assessing practical advantages for widespread deployment.

Contribution

It presents the first proof-of-principle QKD over 17 km of multimode fiber with high key rates, and evaluates mode-matching techniques for improved performance in existing telecom infrastructure.

Findings

QKD achieved at 193 kbits/s over 17 km of MMF

QKD achieved at over 1 Mbit/s at 1 km

Mode-matching improves QBER and key rate

Abstract

We report a proof-of-principle realisation of a decoy-state BB84 QKD protocol with phase encoding over a record-breaking 17 km of MMF at a rate of 193 kbits/s, as well as over 1 Mbit/s at a distance of 1 km. These results suggest that QKD can be deployed over MMF in metropolitan-scale telecommunication connections. Such MMF metropolitan networks are ubiquitous - thus this advance could pave the way to wide scale metropolitan deployment. We also assess the advantages of adapting the OM3 channel using mode-matching photonic lanterns on the QBER, signal gain, and key rate and compare different encoding techniques in light of MMF propagation effects. This work confirms the suitability of current QKD technology for use in existing MMF links, unlocking new opportunities for quantum applications using legacy fibre.