A scalable network for simultaneous pairwise quantum key distribution via entanglement-based time-bin coding

Abstract

We present simultaneous quantum key distribution (QKD) between any two pairs of participants in a 4-party star-shaped optical fiber network without a trusted node. Our QKD system is the first to extend an entanglement-based time-bin coding protocol to multiple pairs of participants. We demonstrate key exchange over distances of more than 75 km and show that our network can be readily extended to at least 34 participants by using wavelength-division multiplexing in the optical C-band and with small modifications up to 102 participants. Our scheme is compatible to multiplexing approaches that were implemented earlier with polarization-based QKD and can thereby be extended to a fully connected network. In contrast to polarizationbased QKD, the all-fiber system we present is insensitive to polarization instabilities in the fiber link. This enables key distribution networks with low quantum bit error rates and stable secure key rates using deployed fibers even under challenging environmental conditions.