We investigate the impact of noise sources in real-world implementations of
Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution (TF-QKD) protocols, focusing on phase noise
from photon sources and connecting fibers. Our work emphasizes the role of
laser quality, network topology, fiber length, arm balance, and detector
performance in determining key rates. Remarkably, it reveals that the leading
TF-QKD protocols are similarly affected by phase noise despite different
mechanisms. Our study demonstrates duty cycle improvements of over 2x through
narrow-linewidth lasers and phase-control techniques, highlighting the
potential synergy with high-precision time/frequency distribution services.
Ultrastable lasers, evolving toward integration and miniaturization, offer
promise for agile TF-QKD implementations on existing networks. Properly
addressing phase noise and practical constraints allows for consistent key rate
predictions, protocol selection, and layout design, crucial for establishing
secure long-haul links for the Quantum Communication Infrastructures under
development in several countries.Comment: 18 pages, 8 figures, 2 table