Single-channel transmission of qubits and classical bits over an optical telecommunications network

摘要

Systems and methods that allow for transmitting qubits and classical signal over the same channel of an optical telecommunications network that includes an optical fiber. The method includes sending the qubits of wavelength λ_S over a quantum optical path that includes the optical fiber during a time interval ΔT₀ when there are no classical optical signals of wavelength λ_S traveling over the optical fiber. The method also includes sending the classical signals over a classical optical path that includes the optical fiber, wherein the classical signals are sent outside of the time interval ΔT₀ to avoid interfering with the qubit transmission. Systems and methods for using the present invention to form quantum key banks for encrypting classical signals sent over the optical telecommunications network are also disclosed.