Experimental Side-Channel-Secure Quantum Key Distribution over 200 km

Abstract: Quantum key distribution enables two remote parties to share encryption keys with information-theoretic security based on physical laws. Side-channel-secure quantum key distribution (SCS-QKD) has attracted considerable attention due to its immunity to both source and detector side-channel attacks. Recently, a demonstration of SCS-QKD over 50 km has been realized. However, practical implementation of this protocol faces significant challenges, including the presence of an imperfect vacuum state and coherent attacks involving a limited number of pulses. Here, based on the theoretical work of Jiang et al. [Phys. Rev. Research 6, 013266 (2024)], we experimentally implemented the practical SCS-QKD protocol using an imperfect whole-space source. This allows us to extend the transmission distance to 200 km using fiber spools, achieving a secure key rate of 1.29E-7 bits per pulse while accounting for finite-key effects. These results establish a new distance record for SCS-QKD and highlight its potential for practical applications. We anticipate that this work will advance the practical implementation and security of quantum key distribution.