Feasibility of satellite quantum key distribution

Bonato, Cristian; Tomaello, Andrea; Deppo, Vania Da; Naletto, G.; Villoresi, Paolo

doi:10.1088/1367-2630/11/4/045017

Cited by 221 publications

(201 citation statements)

References 41 publications

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“…Realistic links would involve fast-moving low-orbit satellites. There are several feasibility studies, both theoretical (Bonato et al, 2009;Villoresi et al, 2004) and experimental (Peng et al, 2005;Villoresi et al, 2008). We would like to emphasize that the quantum repeater principle can be applied to any kind of lossy channel, including satellite-based transmission.…”

Section: F Quantum Channelsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Quantum repeaters based on atomic ensembles and linear optics

et al. 2011

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The distribution of quantum states over long distances is limited by photon loss. Straightforward amplification as in classical telecommunications is not an option in quantum communication because of the no-cloning theorem. This problem could be overcome by implementing quantum repeater protocols, which create long-distance entanglement from shorter-distance entanglement via entanglement swapping. Such protocols require the capacity to create entanglement in a heralded fashion, to store it in quantum memories, and to swap it. One attractive general strategy for realizing quantum repeaters is based on the use of atomic ensembles as quantum memories, in combination with linear optical techniques and photon counting to perform all required operations. Here we review the theoretical and experimental status quo of this very active field. We compare the potential of different approaches quantitatively, with a focus on the most immediate goal of outperforming the direct transmission of photons.

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Section: F Quantum Channelsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Quantum repeaters based on atomic ensembles and linear optics

et al. 2011

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“…Finally, our scheme should find applications in the forthcoming experiments on long-distance satellite-based QC [3][4][5][6] . There, apart from misalignments, other issues may impose serious obstacles too, such as precise satellite laser-tracking, collection efficiencies, or finite-size effects (for QKD).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…This is due to the fact that photons, known as so-called 'flying qubits' , are easy to transport from one location to another 1 . Photonic free-space QC has been demonstrated for distances of hundreds of kilometers 2 , a progress that could soon lead to satellite-based long-distance QC [3][4][5][6] . However, standard approaches to QC, for example, the one based on encoding qubits into the polarization of photons, require that all users involved have knowledge of a shared reference frame.…”

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confidence: 99%

Complete experimental toolbox for alignment-free quantum communication

et al. 2012

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Quantum communication employs the counter-intuitive features of quantum physics for tasks that are impossible in the classical world. It is crucial for testing the foundations of quantum theory and promises to revolutionize information and communication technologies. However, to execute even the simplest quantum transmission, one must establish, and maintain, a shared reference frame. This introduces a considerable overhead in resources, particularly if the parties are in motion or rotating relative to each other. Here we experimentally show how to circumvent this problem with the transmission of quantum information encoded in rotationally invariant states of single photons. By developing a complete toolbox for the efficient encoding and decoding of quantum information in such photonic qubits, we demonstrate the feasibility of alignment-free quantum key-distribution, and perform proofof-principle demonstrations of alignment-free entanglement distribution and Bell-inequality violation. The scheme should find applications in fundamental tests of quantum mechanics and satellite-based quantum communication.

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“…The effects of turbulent atmosphere on the polarization of linear polarized single photons and the transfer of polarization entanglement have attracted a great attention since recent experiments [1][2][3][4][5], which have demonstrated the feasibility of quantum key distribution and secure key exchange in free-space channels. In this connection the question arises whether nonclassical properties of polarized light can be preserved during its propagation in fluctuating media.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Degree of Depolarization of Quantization Hermite-Gaussian Beam in a Turbulent Atmosphere

Zhang¹,

Zhang²,

Zhu³

2013

PIER

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Abstract-Based on quantum Stokes operators and non-Kolmogorov spectrum model of index-of-refraction fluctuation, the analytical formulas for the quantum degree of depolarization of quantization Hermite-Gaussian (QHG) beams propagating in a turbulent atmosphere slant channel are derived. The nonclassical polarization properties of QHG beams propagating in turbulent atmosphere are studied numerically. It is found that the polarization fluctuations of QHG beams are dependent of the turbulence factors such as spectrum powerlaw exponent, refractive index structure parameter at the ground and zenith angle. The degree of depolarization of QHG beams has a saltation and reaches the minimum value at spectrum power-law exponent α = 11/3, the refractive index structure parameter at the ground of the turbulent atmosphere slightly affects the polarization degree of QHG beams which have travelled a long distance, and the change of polarization degree decreases with the increasing zenith angle. Furthermore, the numerical simulations show that QHG beams with higher photonnumber level, lower beam order, shorter wavelength are less affected by the turbulence. These results indicate that One can choose low-order QHG beams with wavelength λ = 690 nm as optical carrier, increase photon number, set the size of transmitting aperture w 0 as about 0.1 m, and detect communication signals at the central region of beams to improve the performance of a polarization-encoded free-space quantum communication system.

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Feasibility of satellite quantum key distribution

Abstract: In this paper we address some aspects on the feasibility of satellite quantum communication which we believe are still not well understood. We focus on the techniques to get a high enough SNR (in particular in the uplink) and to implement a polarization-preserving channel...

Cited by 221 publications

References 41 publications

Quantum repeaters based on atomic ensembles and linear optics

Quantum repeaters based on atomic ensembles and linear optics

Complete experimental toolbox for alignment-free quantum communication

Degree of Depolarization of Quantization Hermite-Gaussian Beam in a Turbulent Atmosphere

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