A measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution network using optical frequency comb

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD), which promises secure key exchange between two remote parties, is now moving toward the realization of scalable and secure QKD networks (QNs). Fully connected, trusted node-free QNs have been realized based on entanglement distribution, in which the low key rate and the large overhead make their practical application challenging. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a fully connected multi-user QKD network based on a wavelength-multiplexed measurement-device-independent (MDI) QKD protocol. By combining the MDI-QKD protocol with integrated optical frequency combs, we achieve an average secure key rate of 267 bits per second for about 30 dB of link attenuation per user pair—more than three orders of magnitude higher than previous entanglement-based works. More importantly, we realize communication between two different pairs of users simultaneously. Our work paves the way for the realization of large-scale QKD networks with full connectivity and simultaneous communication capability among multiple users.