Coexistence of quantum key distribution and optical transport network based on standard single-mode fiber at high launch power

There is an increasing demand for multiplexing of quantum key distribution with optical communications in single fiber in consideration of high costs and practical applications in the metropolitan optical network. Here, we realize the integration of quantum key distribution and an optical transport network of 80 Gbps classical data at 15 dBm launch power over 50 km of the widely used standard (G.652 Recommendation of the International Telecom Union Telecom Standardization Sector) telecom fiber. A secure key rate of 11 Kbps over 20 km is obtained. By tolerating a high classical optical power up to 18 dBm of 160 Gbps classical data on single-mode fiber, our result shows the potential and tolerance of quantum key distribution being used in future large capacity transmission systems, such as metropolitan area networks and data centers. The quantum key distribution system is stable, practical, and insensitive to the polarization disturbance of channels by using a phase coding system based on a Faraday–Michelson interferometer. We also discuss the fundamental limit for quantum key distribution performance in the multiplexing environment.