A Hierarchical Modulation Coherent Communication Scheme for Simultaneous Four-State Continuous-Variable Quantum Key Distribution and Classical Communication

We present a hierarchical modulation coherent communication protocol, which simultaneously achieves classical optical communication and continuous-variable quantum key distribution. Our hierarchical modulation scheme consists of a quadrature phase-shifting keying modulation for classical communication and a four-state discrete modulation for continuous-variable quantum key distribution. The simulation results based on practical parameters show that it is feasible to transmit both quantum information and classical information on a single carrier. We obtained a secure key rate of \(10^{-3}\) bits/pulse to \(10^{-1}\) bits/pulse within 40 kilometers, and in the meantime the maximum bit error rate for classical information is about \(10^{-7}\). Because continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol is compatible with standard telecommunication technology, we think our hierarchical modulation scheme can be used to upgrade the digital communication systems to extend system function in the future.