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Optica Laser Congress (ASSL, LAC, LS&C)

Free space quantum cryptography

Rupert Ursin

Published Jan 1, 2013• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

To test the limits of quantum theory over global distances and to eventually establish a worldwide quantum communication network, optical terminals on satellites are required. We present terrestrial demonstrations over a 144 km long free-space channel and a new proposal for a low-cost quantum communication implementation using exiting infrastructure inside the ISS.

DOI
10.1364/lsc.2013.lm2b.3

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To test the limits of quantum theory over global distances and to eventually establish a worldwide quantum communication network, optical terminals on satellites are required. We present terrestrial demonstrations over a 144 km long free-space channel and a new proposal for a low-cost quantum communication implementation using exiting infrastructure inside the ISS.
Long-distance quantum communication is one of the most important tasks in quantum information science. It contains two main motivations: one is the fundamental interests, and the other is the practical requirements. The physical distance of quantum communication over free-space channel has been extended from several meters in the lab to 1000 km through satellite. In this mini-review, we emphasize the progress made toward the global quantum network, mainly following the world’s first satellite-to-Earth quantum communication in 2017. This includes the development of commercial small-scale quantum satellite constellations and high-orbit satellites capable of all-time coverage, as well as the feasibility of quantum communication network. On this basis, we then discussed the possibility of cross-application of free-space quantum communication technology in fundamental physics, precision measurement, and even astronomical observations. Free-space quantum communication presents both challenges and opportunities, playing a crucial role in the future global quantum network.
Fundamental quantum optics test as well as quantum cryptography and quantum teleportation are based on the distribution of single quantum states and quantum entanglement respectively. We will discuss recent experimental achievements in the field of long-distance quantum communication via optical fiber as well as in free-space over a record breaking distance of 144 km. The European Space Agency (ESA) has supported a range of studies in the field of quantum physics and quantuminformation science in space for several years, and consequently a mission proposal Space-QUEST Quantum Entanglement for Space Experiments was submitted to the European Life and Physical Sciences in Space Program. This proposal envisions to perform space-to-ground quantum communication tests from the International Space Station (ISS) and will presented in this article.
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Quantum key distribution is now a mature quantum communication protocol which allows the verifiably secure sharing of encryption keys between two communicating parties. It seeks to address potential vulnerabilities of data transmission and storage, offering a realistic possibility to share encryption keys which are robust to eavesdropping attacks and future-proof against hacking. Fibre-optic implementations of quantum key distribution currently have a limited practical transmission distance, of less than 400 km, making commercial applications limited. Quantum-specific amplifier/repeater technology is not yet mature enough to increase the transmission distance to achieve global capabilities. Optical fiber is also impractical and expensive for applications where a remote area or moving platform are involved. In recent years, long-distance free-space quantum communications using low-Earth orbit satellites has seen an increase in interest from the academic community as well as from industrial organisations and national research institutes. The source of this new interest was a series of proof-of-principle demonstrations of satellite-based quantum key distribution in 2017. The use of free-space channels implementing airborne or satellite platforms also opens a range of new applications for quantum communications, as they allow coverage of remote areas, moving platforms, and also avoid the requirement of spooling fibre through volatile regions. This presentation will give a general introduction to satellite-based quantum communications, an overview of the field, and discuss future endeavours. The talk will also include an overview of our research into novel photonic technology, such as the use of detector array technology, for the optical ground station receiver.