Frequency-matching quantum key distribution
Phys. Rev. Applied 25, 034043 – Published 12 March, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/rj9h-xnn5
Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables information-theoretically secure communication against eavesdropping. However, phase instability remains a challenge across many QKD applications, particularly in schemes such as twin-field QKD and measurement-device-independent QKD. The most dominant source of phase fluctuation arises from the frequency offset between independent lasers. To overcome this limitation, we introduce a classical photodiode-based active compensation scheme for laser frequency mismatches and incorporate it into a mode-pairing QKD protocol. We have achieved an error rate approaching the theoretical limit and surpassing the linear key-rate bound over a fiber distance of 296.8 km. This approach provides a practical solution for frequency matching between independent lasers and can be extended to other fields requiring precise phase stabilization.
