Efficient Quantum Space-Division Multiplexing Using Time-Bin and Phase Encoding in Few-Mode Fibers

Abstract: Space-division multiplexing using multimode optical fibers has been applied to quantum-level signals with time-bin and phase encoding, achieving Mqubits per second over 8 km of few-mode fiber. The dead time of single-photon detectors, typically considered a bottleneck in quantum transmission, is effectively utilized here to eliminate modal cross-talk between quantum channels.