Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE

Quantum communications in space

John Rarity, P.M. Gorman, Paul Knight, Harald Weinfurter, Christian Kurtsiefer

Published Feb 3, 2004• 17 citations

Abstract

Coding data bits in the phase or polarization state of light allows us to exploit the wave particle duality for novel communication protocols. Using this principle the first practical quantum communication systems have been built. These are the fiber and free-space quantum cryptography apparatus used for secure exchange of keys. Beyond this state of the art, various quantum communication schemes are being studied including entangled state key exchange quantum dense coding, state teleportation, and entanglement swapping. The feasibility, advantages and disadvantages of space based realisations of these novel schemes are discussed.

DOI: 10.1117/12.504744

Related papers

Free-space secure key exchange from 1 m to 1000 km

M. S. Godfrey, A. M. Lynch, J. L. Duligall +3 more

Coding data bits in the phase or polarisation state of light allows us to exploit the wave particle duality for novel communication protocols. Using this principle the first practical quantum communication systems have been built. These are the fibre and free-space quantum cryptography apparatus used for secure exchange of keys. To date free space key exchange has aimed at long range with 144km range achieved and future experiments aiming to extend this range to 1000km exchanging keys with low earth orbit satellites. At the other end of the spectrum we are developing low cost hand held systems. These systems could be an effective way for the user to generate a store of secrets shared with a central repository. These secrets can then be used up to protect a wide variety of sensitive classical communications. Examples include on-line PIN protection for consumer transactions and password protection in secure access schemes.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIESep 28, 20063 citations

Quantum communications

J. D. Franson

Quantum mechanics allows a number of communications protocols that would not be possible classically, including provably-secure messages (quantum cryptography), increased channel capacity, and the ability to transmit an unknown quantum state (quantum teleportation). This tutorial will provide an introductory description of what appear to be the most promising applications of quantum communications, including quantum cryptography and quantum repeaters. The most commonly-used methods for quantum cryptography will be described, including the advantages and disadvantages of each in practical applications. The maximum range of current quantum cryptography systems is limited by the fact that optical amplifiers would destroy the quantum coherence of single photons and cannot be used in these kinds of systems. One potential solution to this problem is the transmission of single photons in free space, which would allow a global system for quantum cryptography based on a network of satellites and ground stations. Free-space quantum cryptography systems of that kind have now been demonstrated over relatively short distances. The range of quantum cryptography systems in optical fibers can also be extended using quantum repeaters that make use of entanglement purification and quantum teleportation. These same techniques could also be used to implement a “quantum Internet” for the transmission of qubits from one quantum computer to another. The practical challenges that will have to be met in order to implement quantum repeaters and quantum teleportation over large distances will be discussed.

Optical Fiber Communication ConferenceJan 1, 20011 citation

Free-Space Optical Quantum Key Distribution Using Intersatellite Links

Martin Pfennigbauer, Walter R. Leeb, Markus Aspelmeyer +2 more

Communication schemes employing quantum entanglement open a wide field of possible applications with properties outperforming their classical counterparts. Promising examples are quantum key distribution, quantum dense coding, and quantum state teleportation. We investigate the potential of quantum cryptography, i.e. quantum key distribution (QKD), with special emphasis on the demands and opportunities provided by intersatellite links.

Jan 1, 200325 citations

Quantum communication with single photons

Pieter Kok, Brendon W. Lovett

After the preceding four introductory chapters, we are finally ready to discuss optical quantum information processing. While in principle quantum communication can be implemented with atoms or electrons, in practice the implementation of choice for long-distance quantum communication will almost certainly be optical. In this chapter, we will develop some of the key topics in quantum communication with single photons, and we will discuss continuous-variable quantum communication in Chapter 8. In some ways, quantum communication is the most technologically advanced part of quantum information processing. Most protocols in this chapter, such as teleportation and cryptography, have been convincingly demonstrated in the lab, and there are already several commercial organizations that sell cryptographic systems based on quantum mechanical principles. In particular, the promise of secure communication with quantum cryptography is one of the driving forces behind the development of single-photon sources and detectors. In this chapter, we first construct several optical representations of the qubit, including polarized photons and time-bin encoding. Since the single-photon implementation of a qubit is central to optical quantum information processing, this constitutes a large part of the chapter. In Section 5.2 we discuss quantum teleportation and entanglement swapping with single photons. We also present a method for entanglement distillation using entanglement swapping. In Section 5.3 we introduce decoherence-free subspaces, which can be used to reduce noise in the transmission of quantum information, and even establish communication channels in the absence of shared reference frames.

Cambridge University Press eBooksApr 22, 20102 citations

Quantum Cryptography: Secure Communication Beyond Classical Limits

Rohit Goyal

Quantum cryptography promises secure communication protocols that surpass the limitations of classical cryptography. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, particularly the phenomenon of quantum entanglement and the uncertainty principle, quantum cryptography protocols offer provable security guarantees against eavesdropping attacks. In this paper, we provide an overview of quantum cryptography, discussing its theoretical foundations, key protocols such as quantum key distribution (QKD), and experimental implementations. We highlight the advantages of quantum cryptography over classical cryptographic techniques and explore its potential applications in secure communication networks, financial transactions, and data privacy. Furthermore, we discuss ongoing research efforts and challenges in the practical deployment of quantum cryptography systems, including the development of robust quantum hardware and the integration of quantum cryptographic protocols into existing communication infrastructures. Overall, quantum cryptography holds great promise for enabling secure communication channels that are resilient to quantum attacks, paving the way for a new era of ultra-secure information exchange.

Journal of Quantum Science and Technology.Mar 31, 20244 citations

Harnessing Quantum Entanglement: Comprehensive Strategies for Enhanced Communication and Beyond in Quantum Networks

Amit Kumar Bhuyan, Dutta, Hrishikesh

Quantum communication represents a revolutionary advancement over classical information theory, which leverages unique quantum mechanics properties like entanglement to achieve unprecedented capabilities in secure and efficient information transmission. Unlike bits in classical communication, quantum communication utilizes qubits in superposition states, allowing for novel information storage and processing. Entanglement, a key quantum phenomenon, enables advanced protocols with enhanced security and processing power. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of quantum communication, emphasizing the role of entanglement in theoretical foundations, practical protocols, experimental progress, and security implications. It contrasts quantum communications potential applications with classical networks, identifying areas where entanglement offers significant advantages. The paper explores the fundamentals of quantum mechanics in communication, the physical realization of quantum information, and the formation of secure quantum networks through entanglement-based strategies like Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and teleportation. It addresses the challenges of long-distance quantum communication, the role of quantum repeaters in scaling networks, and the conceptualization of interconnected quantum networks. Additionally, it discusses strides towards the Quantum Internet, Quantum Error-Correcting codes, and quantum cryptographys role in ensuring secure communication. By highlighting the role of entanglement, this paper aims to inspire further research and innovation in secure and efficient information exchange within quantum networks.

arXiv:2406.08833Jun 13, 20244 citations