The commercialization of quantum key distribution (QKD), which enables secure communication even in the era of quantum computers, has acquired significant interest. Many QKD studies have been conducted, and now QKD is actively expanding point -to-point system to network architecture. Up to date, a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) architecture has successfully expanded the number of channels. On the other hand, the PnP QKD structure has a great advantage in the stability of the system. In this paper, we propose a QKD network using PnP QKD structure. We also propose a polarization division multiplexing (PDM) method that increases user channels independently of wavelength for the network. Channel capacity can be increased rapidly by combining PDM and WDM. This method can be used in combination with WDM to rapidly increase channel capacity.
Meanwhile, In a QKD system, a decoy-state protocol is an indispensable protocol that must be implemented for preventing potential quantum attacks. In this paper, we proposed a method for generating decoy pulses through amplification using an optical amplifier. The proposed scheme is suitable for PnP QKD by operating regardless of the input signal polarization.
Finally, we propose a new scheme that can overcome the low key generation rate of PnP QKD. This study proposes a new method that can eliminate the SL by realizing an optical pulse train generator based on an optical cavity structure. Our method allows Alice to generate optical pulse trains herself by duplicating Bob’s seed pulse and excludes the need for Bob’s strong signal pulses that trigger backscattering noise as much as the conventional PnP QKD. Accordingly, our method can naturally overcome the miniaturization limitation and the slow secure key rate, as the storage line is no longer necessary.