Versatile wavelength-division multiplexed quantum key distribution network operating simultaneously in the O and C bands
Abstract
Ongoing technological progress is accelerating the commercial and global-scale deployment of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). Its ability to enable unconditionally secure communication is expected to be a key feature of future telecommunication networks, and practical demonstrations of QKD network implementations in real-world environments are crucial for ensuring reliable adoption. In this work, we demonstrate a four-node photonic QKD network that employs versatile and cost-effective wavelength-division multiplexing across three transmitters in the O- and C-bands to simultaneously distribute quantum-secure keys among all nodes. Specifically, the broadband central receiver node shares all optical and electronic decoding components, except for the single-photon detectors, across the three QKD links, significantly reducing system costs and enhancing compactness.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Optical Network Technologies
Quantum Information and Cryptography
Advanced Photonic Communication Systems
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Optica Quantum
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 353–353
- Publication date
- 14 May 2026
- Language
- EN