US 12,756,546 B2 · Quantum key distribution in an optical network and quantum-secured optical channels

Abstract

Systems and methods for quantum key distribution in an optical network and quantum-secured optical channels. A node for operation in an optical network includes one or more degrees each connected to a corresponding optical span including one or more fibers; and one or more Quantum-Optical Service modules (QOSM) for each of the one or more degrees, each QOSM supporting Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for establishing a quantum-secured channel and Optical Service Channel (OSC) functionality over the quantum-secured channel. A line amplifier system for operation in an optical network includes one or more optical amplifiers configured to amplify optical channels over an optical span in the optical network; and a trusted quantum repeater, connected to the optical span, and configured to support QKD for establishing a first quantum-secured channel and a second quantum-secured channel and OSC functionality over the first quantum-secured channel and the second quantum-secured channel.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A node for operation in an optical network, the node comprising:

one or more degrees each connected to a corresponding optical span including one or more fibers;
and
one or more Quantum-Optical Service Modules (QOSM) for each of the one or more degrees, each QOSM supporting Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) for establishing a quantum-secured channel and Optical Service Channel (OSC) functionality over the quantum-secured channel
wherein each QOSM includes a QKD transmitter and receiver and circuitry configured to establish, with an adjacent node over the corresponding optical span, a
quantum channel and an associated QKD service channel for QKD key generation, wherein the circuitry is configured to establish a Hyper Service Channel (HSC) that includes the OSC,
wherein each QOSM is configured to multiplex/demultiplex the QKD service channel and the OSC into/from the HSC, and
wherein the circuitry is configured to quantum-secure the OSC by applying QKD-generated keys such that OSC communications are carried over the quantum-secured channel.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Quantum key distribution in an optical network and quantum-secured optical channels

Life of this patent

Quantum key distribution in an optical network and quantum-secured optical channels

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20