Quantum key distribution over a 2 km free-space channel with a high secure key rate

Abstract

Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD) provides crucial advantages, including mobility and deployment exibility, for securing next-generation communication networks. However, atmospheric turbulence and beam wander severely degrade single-photon coupling effciency and link stability over outdoor channels. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a free-space decoy-state BB84 QKD system operating at 803 nm with a 100 MHz repetition rate over a 2 km outdoor link. By employing an active beam-wander correction based on fast-steering mirrors (FSMs) and position sensitive detectors (PSDs) with a 500 Hz control loop, we enhance the ?ber coupling effciency and achieve an average ?nite-key secure key rate of 110 kbps with an average quantum bit error rate (QBER) of 3.28 %, representing a 2.5 times secure key rate enhancement under an active beam stabilization. This work demonstrates the indispensability of active beam stabilization and provides an operational reference for robust, long-range free-space quantum communication.

arXiv comment8 pages, 4 figures