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arxiv: 2503.05095 · v1 · pith:TMS4SQF2new · submitted 2025-03-07 · 🪐 quant-ph

Hybrid Implementation for Untrusted-node-based Quantum Key Distribution Network

classification 🪐 quant-ph
keywords quantummdi-qkdphasesecuritydistancesdistributionfiberhybrid
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Quantum key distribution (QKD) serves as a cornerstone of secure quantum communication, providing unconditional security grounded in quantum mechanics. While trusted-node networks have facilitated early QKD deployment, their vulnerability to node compromise underscores the need for untrusted-node architectures. Measurement-device-independent QKD (MDI-QKD) and twin-field QKD (TF-QKD) have emerged as leading candidates, addressing security vulnerabilities and extending transmission distances. Despite the wide adoptions in various fiber scaling, no integrated implementation of these two protocols has been demonstrated to date. Here, we present a hybrid system that seamlessly integrates TF-QKD and MDI-QKD into one untrusted-node-based architecture. Utilizing an efficient phase estimation method based on asymmetric interferometers, we convert twin-field global phase tracking to relative phase calibration, allowing near continuous running of both protocols. Experiments demonstrate secure finite-size key rates for sending-or-not-sending QKD and MDI-QKD over fiber distances of 150 to 431 km. The results align with theoretical simulations and show the ability to surpass the absolute repeaterless key capacity. Our work offers an unified framework for deploying multi-protocol QKD networks, laying the foundation for adaptable and scalable quantum infrastructures that can meet a wide range of security and performance needs.

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Cited by 1 Pith paper

Reviewed papers in the Pith corpus that reference this work. Sorted by Pith novelty score.

  1. Security Risks of VOA-Induced Luminescence in Chip-Based quantum key distribution

    quant-ph 2026-04 unverdicted novelty 8.0

    VOA-induced luminescence in chip-based QKD creates a spectrally separated side channel enabling information leakage even from weak emission without disturbing quantum states.