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arXiv:1905.01834 · Globecom

Detecting Orbital Angular Momentum of Light in Satellite-to-Ground Quantum Communications

Ziqing Wang, Robert Malaney, Jonathan Green

Published Dec 1, 2019• 10 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

Satellite-based quantum communications enable a bright future for global-scale information security. However, the spin angular momentum of light, currently used in many mainstream quantum communication systems, only allows for quantum encoding in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, on the other hand, enables quantum encoding in higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, opening up new opportunities for high-capacity quantum communications. Due to its turbulence-induced decoherence effects, however, the atmospheric channel may limit the practical usage of OAM. In order to determine whether OAM is useful for satellite-based quantum communications, we numerically investigate the detection likelihoods for OAM states that traverse satellite-to-ground channels. We show that the use of OAM through such channels is in fact feasible. We use our new results to then investigate design specifications that could improve OAM detection - particularly the use of advanced adaptive optics techniques. Finally, we discuss how our work provides new insights into future implementations of space-based OAM systems within the context of quantum communications.

DOI
10.1109/globecom38437.2019.9014321

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Satellite-based quantum communications enable a bright future for global-scale information security. However, the spin angular momentum of light, currently used in many mainstream quantum communication systems, only allows for quantum encoding in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, on the other hand, enables quantum encoding in higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, opening up new opportunities for high-capacity quantum communications. Due to its turbulence-induced decoherence effects, however, the atmospheric channel may limit the practical usage of OAM. In order to determine whether OAM is useful for satellite-based quantum communications, we numerically investigate the detection likelihoods for OAM states that traverse satellite-to-ground channels. We show that the use of OAM through such channels is in fact feasible. We use our new results to then investigate design specifications that could improve OAM detection - particularly the use of advanced adaptive optics techniques. Finally, we discuss how our work provides new insights into future implementations of space-based OAM systems within the context of quantum communications.
Orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light has been considered as a useful degree of freedom for high-capacity quantum communications. However, the practical usage of OAM within the atmospheric channel is known to be limited by turbulence-induced decoherence effects. In this work, we study the feasibility of utilizing the OAM of light in satellite-based entanglement distribution. In order to determine whether OAM entanglement could be distributed within the context of satellite-based quantum communications, we study the quantum state evolution of a pair of OAM-entangled photons that traverse independent and identically distributed satellite-to-ground atmospheric channels. Our calculations indicate the performance levels that any post-selection, or distillation, scheme must have in order to achieve useful OAM entanglement distribution via a low-Earth-orbit satellite.
Orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light has enabled quantum encoding in higher dimensional Hilbert spaces, opening up new opportunities for high capacity satellite-to-ground quantum communications. In this paper, machine learning based recognition of OAM modes for satellite-to-ground communication is proposed. Most of the machine learning models for OAM mode detection reported in literature directly take intensity and phase images of OAM modes as inputs. A novel attempt is made in the proposed work, wherein Histogram of Gradients (HOG) features are extracted from these images and fed to machine learning models. Two architectures are proposed in this paper for OAM mode detection and their performances are reported. The performances of proposed models are also compared under different atmospheric turbulence conditions, propagation distances and the results are reported. In order to evaluate the efficacy of proposed models, performance results of OAM mode detection using various other methods reported in literature are compared with the results obtained from proposed work. It is observed that the performance of proposed models are almost on par with the models reported in literature. Maximum recognition accuracy of 100% with a prediction time ranging between 83 - 157ms, was achieved using the proposed models. The proposed OAM mode detection models can be used for various other quantum communication applications too, including underwater communication.
In this work, we explore the feasibility of performing satellite-to-earth quantum key distribution (QKD) using the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light. Because of the fragility of OAM states the conventional wisdom is that turbulence would render OAM QKD nonviable in a satellite-to-earth channel. However, based on detailed phase screen simulations of the anticipated atmospheric turbulence we find that OAM QKD is viable in some system configurations, especially if quantum channel information is utilized in the processing of postselected states. More specifically, using classically entangled light as a probe of the quantum channel, and reasonably sized transmitter-receiver apertures, we find that nonzero QKD key rates are achievable on sea-level ground stations. We also determine the turbulence conditions under which the QKD key rate becomes effectively zero. Without using classical light probes, OAM QKD is relegated to high-altitude ground stations with large receiver apertures. Our work uses a quantitative assessment of the performance of OAM QKD from satellites to determine under what circumstances the much-touted higher dimensionality of OAM can be utilized in the context of secure communications.
Quantum key distribution is a promising candidate to ensure secure communication in the future. Higher-dimensional state spaces as provided by the orbital angular momentum of photons (OAM) could further improve the security and robustness to noise. When transmitted through free-space, these photons experience atmospheric turbulence which introduces distortions to the encoded OAM. A technologoy called adaptive optics has been developed in astronomy to counter-act turbulence-induced distortion. While the application of adaptive optics has been considered in the context of classical OAM communication, this thesis presents the first results for OAM-based quantum key distribution. The main result of this thesis is that the losses of the quantum mechanical properties of OAM photons in atmospheric can be mitigated by adaptive optics. Both the entanglement and the trace of the final state's density matrix can be significantly improved. Furthermore, the security of the quantum key distribution protocol can be ensured for two to three times stronger turbulence as measured by the Fried parameter. The presented results demonstrate the great potential of adaptive optics for OAM quantum cryptography.
Orbital angular momentum (OAM) states of photons span a high-dimensional Hilbert space, and by using it, higher information capacity and enhanced security can be achieved for both classical communication and quantum key distribution. In this work, we propose a feasible basis-independent encoding scheme for OAM states and show its application in high-dimensional quantum secure direct communication, which enables direct transmission of meaningful messages, in addition to random secret key establishing. Imperfections of optical components may reduce the efficiency of the encoding scheme and, thus, the channel capacity. We discuss the optimal input distribution under realistic conditions to achieve maximal mutual information and an alternative solution using a different set of mutually unbiased bases in the case of a prime-dimensional quantum system.
Orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons provides a promising approach to enhance the capacity, robustness, and functionality of quantum communication systems in optical fibers. With many twist states available, OAM enables high-dimensional encoding, significantly increasing data rates and noise tolerance. This review explores sources, channels, and system architectures for OAM-based quantum communication in fibers. It compares free-space and integrated emitters, discussing in-fiber pair generation and mode conversion pathways that produce fiber-ready single photons and entangled states. For the channels, it details design principles and trade-offs for step-index and ring-core fibers that minimize intermodal coupling and reviews milestones in kilometer-scale single-photon transmission and high-dimensional entanglement transport. On the system side, the review examines coupling, multiplexing, and detection techniques—including mode (de)multiplexers, lanterns, and programmable sorters—and discusses transmission-matrix-based control methods to mitigate dispersion and bending effects. The review concludes with practical guidance and open challenges, such as improving mode selectivity and stability under real-world conditions; developing compact, efficient detectors for many modes; and integrating co-designed error correction schemes. These directions aim to bridge laboratory demonstrations with the deployment of scalable, high-dimensional fiber networks that harness OAM to significantly boost capacity, resilience, and functionality.