Author
Listed:
- Yu-Ao Chen
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Qiang Zhang
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Teng-Yun Chen
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Wen-Qi Cai
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Sheng-Kai Liao
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Jun Zhang
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Kai Chen
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Juan Yin
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Ji-Gang Ren
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Zhu Chen
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Sheng-Long Han
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Qing Yu
(China Cable Network Co)
- Ken Liang
(China Cable Network Co)
- Fei Zhou
(Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology)
- Xiao Yuan
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Mei-Sheng Zhao
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Tian-Yin Wang
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Xiao Jiang
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Liang Zhang
(University of Science and Technology of China
CAS Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics)
- Wei-Yue Liu
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Yang Li
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Qi Shen
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Yuan Cao
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Chao-Yang Lu
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Rong Shu
(University of Science and Technology of China
CAS Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics)
- Jian-Yu Wang
(University of Science and Technology of China
CAS Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics)
- Li Li
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Nai-Le Liu
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Feihu Xu
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Xiang-Bin Wang
(Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology)
- Cheng-Zhi Peng
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
- Jian-Wei Pan
(University of Science and Technology of China
University of Science and Technology of China)
Abstract
Quantum key distribution (QKD)1,2 has the potential to enable secure communication and information transfer3. In the laboratory, the feasibility of point-to-point QKD is evident from the early proof-of-concept demonstration in the laboratory over 32 centimetres4; this distance was later extended to the 100-kilometre scale5,6 with decoy-state QKD and more recently to the 500-kilometre scale7–10 with measurement-device-independent QKD. Several small-scale QKD networks have also been tested outside the laboratory11–14. However, a global QKD network requires a practically (not just theoretically) secure and reliable QKD network that can be used by a large number of users distributed over a wide area15. Quantum repeaters16,17 could in principle provide a viable option for such a global network, but they cannot be deployed using current technology18. Here we demonstrate an integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network that combines a large-scale fibre network of more than 700 fibre QKD links and two high-speed satellite-to-ground free-space QKD links. Using a trusted relay structure, the fibre network on the ground covers more than 2,000 kilometres, provides practical security against the imperfections of realistic devices, and maintains long-term reliability and stability. The satellite-to-ground QKD achieves an average secret-key rate of 47.8 kilobits per second for a typical satellite pass—more than 40 times higher than achieved previously. Moreover, its channel loss is comparable to that between a geostationary satellite and the ground, making the construction of more versatile and ultralong quantum links via geosynchronous satellites feasible. Finally, by integrating the fibre and free-space QKD links, the QKD network is extended to a remote node more than 2,600 kilometres away, enabling any user in the network to communicate with any other, up to a total distance of 4,600 kilometres.
Suggested Citation
Yu-Ao Chen & Qiang Zhang & Teng-Yun Chen & Wen-Qi Cai & Sheng-Kai Liao & Jun Zhang & Kai Chen & Juan Yin & Ji-Gang Ren & Zhu Chen & Sheng-Long Han & Qing Yu & Ken Liang & Fei Zhou & Xiao Yuan & Mei-Sh, 2021.
"An integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network over 4,600 kilometres,"
Nature, Nature, vol. 589(7841), pages 214-219, January.
Handle:
RePEc:nat:nature:v:589:y:2021:i:7841:d:10.1038_s41586-020-03093-8
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03093-8
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Citations
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Cited by:
- Ning-Ning Wang & Alejandro Pozas-Kerstjens & Chao Zhang & Bi-Heng Liu & Yun-Feng Huang & Chuan-Feng Li & Guang-Can Guo & Nicolas Gisin & Armin Tavakoli, 2023.
"Certification of non-classicality in all links of a photonic star network without assuming quantum mechanics,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
- Pei Zeng & Hongyi Zhou & Weijie Wu & Xiongfeng Ma, 2022.
"Mode-pairing quantum key distribution,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-11, December.
- Rosch-Grace, Dominic & Straub, Jeremy, 2022.
"Analysis of the likelihood of quantum computing proliferation,"
Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).
- Lai Zhou & Jinping Lin & Yumang Jing & Zhiliang Yuan, 2023.
"Twin-field quantum key distribution without optical frequency dissemination,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-8, December.
- Sebastian Philipp Neumann & Alexander Buchner & Lukas Bulla & Martin Bohmann & Rupert Ursin, 2022.
"Continuous entanglement distribution over a transnational 248 km fiber link,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
- Łukasz Dusanowski & Cornelius Nawrath & Simone L. Portalupi & Michael Jetter & Tobias Huber & Sebastian Klembt & Peter Michler & Sven Höfling, 2022.
"Optical charge injection and coherent control of a quantum-dot spin-qubit emitting at telecom wavelengths,"
Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-8, December.
- Cai, Xiao-Qiu & Liu, Zi-Fan & Wei, Chun-Yan & Wang, Tian-Yin, 2022.
"Long distance measurement-device-independent three-party quantum key agreement,"
Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 607(C).
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