Achievable Physical-Layer Secrecy in Multi-Mode Fiber Channels using Artificial Noise

Abstract: Reliable and secure communication is an important aspect of modern fiber optic communication. In this work we consider a multi-mode fiber (MMF) channel wiretapped by an eavesdropper. We assume the transmitter knows the legitimate channel, but statistical knowledge of the eavesdropper's channel only. We propose a transmission scheme with artificial noise (AN) for such a channel. In particular, we formulate the corresponding optimization problem which aims to maximize the average secrecy rate and develop an algorithm to solve it. We apply this algorithm to actual measured MMF channels. As real fiber measurements show, for a 55 mode MMF we can achieve positive average secrecy rates with the proper use of AN. Furthermore, the gain compared to standard precoding and power allocation schemes is illustrated.