Coexistence of Entanglement-based Quantum Channels with DWDM Classical Channels over Hollow Core Fibre in a Four Node Quantum Communication Network

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the successful coexistence of multiple entanglement-based quantum channels with classical channels over hollow core fibre, enabling a four-node quantum network with high fidelity and stable key distribution.

Contribution

It experimentally shows simultaneous operation of quantum and classical channels over 11.5 km hollow core fibre in a four-node network, achieving high fidelity and stable key rates.

Findings

Achieved 800 Gbps transmission with 3 quantum and 4 classical channels

Quantum key distribution with up to 90% Bell state fidelity

Stable secret key rates maintained over 55 hours

Abstract

We experimentally demonstrate the coexistence of three entanglement-based quantum channels with carrier-grade classical optical channels over $11.5$km hollow core nested antiresonant nodeless fibre, in a four user quantum network. A transmission of $800$Gbps is achieved with four classical channels simultaneously with three quantum channels all operating in the C-band with a separation of $1.2$nm, with aggregated coexistence power of $-3$dBm. We established quantum key distribution in the four-node full-mesh quantum network with Bell state fidelity of up to $90.0\pm0.8$%. The secret key rate for all the links in the network are passively preserved over $55$hours of experimental time.