A communication system adapted to use wavelength (frequency) division
multiplexing for quantum-key distribution (QKD) and having a transmitter
coupled to a receiver via a transmission link. In one embodiment, the
receiver is adapted to (i) phase-shift a local oscillator (LO) signal
generated at the receiver, (ii) combine the LO signal with a
quantum-information (QI) signal received via the transmission link from
the transmitter to produce interference signals, (iii) measure an
intensity difference for these interference signals, and (iv) phase-lock
the LO signal to the QI signal based on the measurement result. In one
configuration, the QI signal has a plurality of pilot frequency
components, each carrying a training signal, and a plurality of QKD
frequency components, each carrying quantum key data. Advantageously, the
system can maintain a phase lock for the QKD frequency components of the
QI and LO signals, while the QKD frequency components of the QI signal
continuously carry quantum key data.