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Experimental Phase-Matching Quantum Cryptographic Conferencing in Symmetric and Asymmetric Fiber Channels
Mi Zou1, Bin-Chen Li1,2,3, Shuai Zhao4,5
1University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei National Laboratory, Hefei 230088, China.
Physical Review Letters
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Researchers demonstrate a quantum cryptographic conferencing protocol enabling secure key distribution over 100 km fiber channels. This advancement extends quantum network capabilities beyond metropolitan areas for intercity applications.
Area of Science:
- Quantum Information Science
- Quantum Communication Networks
- Cryptography
Background:
- Current quantum cryptographic conferencing (QCC) is limited to metropolitan distances.
- Extending secure key distribution over longer distances is crucial for practical quantum networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally demonstrate the three-intensity phase-matching (PM) QCC protocol for multi-party secure key distribution.
- To assess the protocol's performance in both symmetric and asymmetric fiber channels up to 100 km.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of the three-intensity phase-matching (PM) QCC protocol.
- Utilization of frequency-locking and phase-tracking techniques for three parties.
- Testing in symmetric and asymmetric fiber channels simulating real-world network configurations.
Main Results:
- Successful key distribution demonstrated over 100 km in symmetric fiber channels.
- Network adaptability verified in asymmetric fiber channels, simulating practical intercity scenarios.
- Finite-size effects were considered in the experimental demonstration.
Conclusions:
- The phase-matching QCC protocol is feasible for practical intercity quantum networks.
- The protocol demonstrates robustness in both symmetric and asymmetric fiber channel configurations.
- This work overcomes distance limitations of current QCC implementations.
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