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Coexistence of Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution and Classical Data over 120 km Fiber

Adnan A. E. Hajomer1,*, Ivan Derkach2, Vladyslav C. Usenko2, Ulrik L. Andersen1, and Tobias Gehring1,†

  • *Contact author: aaeha@dtu.dk
  • †Contact author: tobias.gehring@fysik.dtu.dk

Phys. Rev. Lett. 135, 170804 – Published 23 October, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/zy2d-m3ch

Abstract

Integrating quantum key distribution (QKD) with classical data transmission over the same fiber is crucial for scalable quantum-secured communication. However, noise from classical channels limits QKD distance. We demonstrate the longest-distance continuous-variable QKD (CV-QKD) over 120 km (20 dB loss) in the asymptotic regime, and over 100 km (17 dB loss) in the finite-size regime, both coexisting with a fully populated coarse wavelength division multiplexing system. Natural mode filtering of the local oscillator and phase noise mitigation enabled this without additional filtering or wavelength reallocation. Benchmarking against a commercial discrete-variable QKD system and considering finite-size effects confirms the feasibility of CV-QKD as a plug-and-play solution for typical 80–100 km long-haul optical networks. Our results set a record fiber distance for CV-QKD, showing its potential for cost-effective, large-scale deployment in existing network infrastructure.

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

synopsis

Secure Quantum Communication Breaks Distance Record

Published 23 October, 2025

Data protected by quantum physics have been sent alongside classical data through 120 km of optical fiber.

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