Coexistence of 11.2Tb/s Carrier-Grade Classical Channels and a DV-QKD Channel over a 7-Core Multicore Fibre
This enables secure quantum communication to coexist with high-capacity classical networks, addressing a critical need for scalable and practical quantum-secured infrastructure, though it is incremental in improving integration efficiency.
The paper tackled the problem of integrating high-speed classical data transmission with quantum key distribution (QKD) over a single multicore fiber, achieving a record 11.2 Tb/s classical data rate alongside continuous secret key generation with a minimum quantum channel spacing of 17nm.
We successfully demonstrate coexistence of record-high 11.2 Tb/s (56x200Gb/s) classical channels with a discrete-variable-QKD channel over a multicore fibre. Continuous secret key generation is confirmed together with classical channel performance below the SDFEC limit and a minimum quantum channel spacing of 17nm in the C-band.