Experimental demonstration of improved reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution over 175km

Reference-frame-independent (RFI) quantum key distribution (QKD) presents promising advantages, especially for mobile-platform-based implementations, as it eliminates the need for active reference frame calibration. While RFI-QKD has been explored in various studies, limitations in key rate and distance persist due to finite data collection. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate an improved RFI-QKD protocol proposed by Zhu et al. [Opt. Lett. 47, 4219 (2022)], featuring a statistical quantity for bounding information leaked to Eve that exhibits more insensitivity to statistical fluctuations and more robustness to variations in the reference frame. Taking into account finite-size considerations and potential general attacks, RFI-QKD is implemented over a distance of 175 {} in this work. We believe that our study extends the communication distance achievable by RFI-QKD, thereby constituting a notable advancement for its practical application.