Integration in the C-band between quantum key distribution and the classical channel of 25 dBm launch power over multicore fiber media

Abstract

The quantum–classical coexistence can be implemented based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), but due to Raman noise, the wavelength spacing between quantum and classical signals and launch power from classical channels are restricted. Space division multiplexing (SDM) can now be availably achieved by multicore fiber (MCF) to reduce Raman noise, thereby loosening the restriction for coexistence in the same band and obtaining a high communication capacity. In this paper, we realize the quantum–classical coexistence over a 7-core MCF. Based on the SDM, the highest launch power of 25 dBm is achieved which has been extended nearly 19 times in previous work. Moreover, both the quantum and classical channels are allocated in the C-band and the minimum wavelength spacing between them is only 1.6 nm. The coexistence system eliminates the need for adding a narrowband filter.