Noise Analysis of Simultaneous Quantum Key Distribution and Classical Communication Scheme Using a True Local Oscillator

At first sight, quantum key distribution (QKD) working at single-photon levels seems very different from classical optical communication using strong laser pulses. Surprisingly, in the simultaneous QKD and classical communication (SQCC) protocol, a single, coherent system can both transmit classical information and distribute a quantum key, but implementation has been impeded by its low tolerance of phase noise. The authors identify ``trusted'' noise from the coherent receiver, which cannot be accessed by an eavesdropper, and greatly improve the phase-noise tolerance of the SQCC protocol. Their findings suggest that the SQCC protocol could be truly practical for secure communication.