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arXiv:2007.07748 · Physical Review Applied

Satellite-To-Earth Quantum Key Distribution via Orbital Angular Momentum

Ziqing Wang, Robert Malaney, Benjamin A. Burnett

Published Dec 9, 2020• 59 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

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.

DOI
10.1103/physrevapplied.14.064031

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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.
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.
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.
Quantum information transfer via high-dimensional encoding offers many potential advantages relative to the widely adopted two-dimensional encoding scenario. In this work, we investigate the feasibility of performing satellite-to-ground quantum entanglement distribution using photonic high-dimensional encoding. Specifically, we consider pairs of photons entangled in the Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) discrete-variable bases. Through detailed simulations of the anticipated satellite-to-ground channel, we first investigate the performance of OAM entanglement distribution of varying dimensions. We then consider an application of such OAM distributed entanglement, namely, high-dimensional OAM quantum teleportation. Our work outlines, for the first time, the range of channel conditions and system configurations under which high-dimensional quantum teleportation via OAM encoding in the satellite-to-ground channel is possible.
Optical quantum communication utilizing satellite platforms has the potential to extend the reach of quantum key distribution (QKD) from terrestrial limits of ∼200 km to global scales. We have developed a thorough numerical simulation using realistic simulated orbits and incorporating the effects of pointing error, diffraction, atmosphere and telescope design, to obtain estimates of the loss and background noise which a satellite-based system would experience. Combining with quantum optics simulations of sources and detection, we determine the length of secure key for QKD, as well as entanglement visibility and achievable distances for fundamental experiments. We analyse the performance of a low Earth orbit satellite for downlink and uplink scenarios of the quantum optical signals. We argue that the advantages of locating the quantum source on the ground justify a greater scientific interest in an uplink as compared to a downlink. An uplink with a ground transmitter of at least 25 cm diameter and a 30 cm receiver telescope on the satellite could be used to successfully perform QKD multiple times per week with either an entangled photon source or with a weak coherent pulse source, as well as perform long-distance Bell tests and quantum teleportation. Our model helps to resolve important design considerations such as operating wavelength, type and specifications of sources and detectors, telescope designs, specific orbits and ground station locations, in view of anticipated overall system performance.
Abstract In the last two decades, structured light patterns with orbital angular momentum (OAM) have been extensively utilized in quantum cryptography or quantum key distribution, which is generally considered an unconditionally secure method of secret key transmission between two distant communicating entities. High-dimensional encoding of quantum bits in quantum key distribution improves the security and information-carrying capability of a quantum signal. Significant degradation in the efficiency of such communication is observed due to the aberration of OAM states under atmospheric turbulence. In this paper, we focus on analyzing the impact of atmospheric turbulence on the error-rates of quantum key distribution, which is considered the benchmark in analyzing the security of such communication over the quantum channel in the presence of an intruder (man-in-the-middle). Our results show that turbulence under normal conditions does not significantly affect the successful transmission of secret quantum bits between sender and receiver. Furthermore, we identify an interesting variation in the signature of error-rates to clearly detect the presence of an intruder as a result of medium-level turbulence.
Quantum key distribution (QKD) technology has demonstrated remarkable practicality and sustained developmental trends in the current field of quantum communication. This paper focuses on a novel and potent quantum communication protocol, specifically quantum key distribution utilizing the encoding of information through orbital angular momentum (OAM) of photons. OAM states, owing to their distinctive properties, exhibit significant advantages in terms of information capacity and channel robustness. However, the sensitivity of OAM states to atmospheric conditions and challenges arising from wavefront distortions necessitate in-depth investigation. Additionally, the unique structure of OAM beams has raised concerns about geometric losses. By analyzing the impact of atmospheric turbulence and geometric losses on the transmission performance when applying the OAM-QKD protocol in free space, this paper explores variations in system losses under different OAM orders. Simulation results indicated that as the channel distance increases, system losses gradually escalate. Furthermore, with an increase in OAM order, although the system's sensitivity to atmospheric turbulence diminishes, geometric losses exhibit an exponential increase. Addressing this issue, our research suggested that when considering free-space quantum key distribution with OAM encoding, selecting an OAM order of 1 for the beam achieves minimal transmission losses. Therefore, in practical applications, employing OAM beams with <?TeX l=1l = 1l=1 ?> emerges as an effective strategy to optimize the performance of the OAM-QKD protocol in free space.