Modeling and Minimizing Spontaneous Raman Scattering for QKD Secured DWDM Networks

Quantum key distribution (QKD) provides information-theoretic security based on quantum mechanics. Integrating QKD with classical data traffic by using wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) techniques in a single fibre is a cost-efficient way to improve security in legacy infrastructure. In such a system, the main noise source to the quantum channel is spontaneous Raman scattering (SRS) caused by the classical channels. In this letter we introduce a channel allocation strategy for both quantum and classical signals to minimize the SRS noise. A use case that quantum and classical channels co-exist in a dense WDM system is investigated. The results show >26% increase of achievable transmission distance for the QKD system when implementing the introduced channel allocation strategy. Moreover, a network updating plan is proposed, which provides a guideline to light the new wavelengths for classical communications while minimizing the SRS noise to quantum channels.