An integrated space-to-ground quantum communication network over 4,600 kilometres

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-Sheng Zhao, Tian-Yin Wang, Xiao Jiang, Liang Zhang, Wei-Yue Liu, Yang Li, Qi Shen, Yuan Cao, Chao-Yang Lu, Rong Shu, Jian-Yu Wang, Li Li, Nai-Le Liu, Feihu Xu, Xiang-Bin Wang, Cheng-Zhi Peng () and Jian-Wei Pan ()
Additional contact information
Yu-Ao Chen: University of Science and Technology of China
Qiang Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Teng-Yun Chen: University of Science and Technology of China
Wen-Qi Cai: University of Science and Technology of China
Sheng-Kai Liao: University of Science and Technology of China
Jun Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Kai Chen: University of Science and Technology of China
Juan Yin: University of Science and Technology of China
Ji-Gang Ren: University of Science and Technology of China
Zhu Chen: University of Science and Technology of China
Sheng-Long Han: 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
Mei-Sheng Zhao: University of Science and Technology of China
Tian-Yin Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Xiao Jiang: University of Science and Technology of China
Liang Zhang: University of Science and Technology of China
Wei-Yue Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Yang Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Qi Shen: University of Science and Technology of China
Yuan Cao: University of Science and Technology of China
Chao-Yang Lu: University of Science and Technology of China
Rong Shu: University of Science and Technology of China
Jian-Yu Wang: University of Science and Technology of China
Li Li: University of Science and Technology of China
Nai-Le Liu: University of Science and Technology of China
Feihu Xu: 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
Jian-Wei Pan: University of Science and Technology of China

Nature, 2021, vol. 589, issue 7841, 214-219

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2021
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-03093-8

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