Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference

Polarization Transformations Induced on Qubits Transmitted in a Space-to-Earth Quantum Communication Link

Cristian Bonato, Markus Aspelmeyer, Thomas D. Jennewein, Claudio Pernechele, Paolo Villoresi, Anton Zeilinger

Published May 6, 2007• 0 citations
OpenAlex

Abstract

We analyze the sources of polarization transformation for single photons in a Space-to-Earth quantum communication link, particularly the satellite pointing system, giving an estimate of the effect and discussing possible compensation techniques.

Related papers

Polarization transformation induced on qubits in a Space-to-Earth quantum communication link

Cristian Bonato, Markus Aspelmeyer, Thomas D. Jennewein +3 more

We analyze the sources of polarization transformation for single photons in a Space-to-Earth quantum communication link, particularly the satellite pointing system, giving an estimate of the effect and discussing possible compensation techniques.

Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference•May 1, 2007•1 citation

Influence of satellite motion on polarization qubits in a Space-Earth quantum communication link

Cristian Bonato, Markus Aspelmeyer, Thomas D. Jennewein +3 more

In a Space quantum-cryptography experiment a satellite pointing system is needed to send single photons emitted by the source on the satellite to the polarization analysis apparatus on Earth. In this paper a simulation is presented regarding how the satellite pointing systems affect the polarization state of the single photons, to help designing a proper compensation system.

Optics Express•Jan 1, 2006•62 citations

Polarization tracking for quantum satellite communications

Gang Wang, Dan Shen, Genshe Chen +2 more

Satellite networks and quantum communications offer complementary opportunities for enhanced operations. Quantum communications provide security for the transmissions between satellites and ground stations; while the free-space link of satellite networks provide the potential of long distance transmission of quantum bits (qubit) for space communications. However, with the promising advantages of the two approaches, challenges remain to fully develop quantum-based satellite communications such as robust and reliable information detection which is difficult to achieve due to the movement of satellites. In this paper, a tracking algorithm is proposed for polarization-encoded quantum satellite communications where polarization states are used to determine the bit transfer between the transmitter and receiver. The polarization tracking is essential for the decoding of a qubit and the quantum key distribution (QKD). A practical channel model for free-space quantum communications is adopted in this paper. With the estimated polarization, a novel dynamic polarization compensation scheme is also proposed. The results show that our methods can accurately estimate the polarization, providing much lower quantum bit error rate (QBER) by compensation, as compared with the direct qubit detection without polarization tracking and compensation scheme.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Jun 3, 2014•15 citations

Understanding Polarization Distortions for Real-world Quantum Key Distribution

Sebstian Slaman

The field of quantum key distribution (QKD) has seen many advancements since its conception in 1984. Recently there have been developments towards establishing free space optical links between satellites and earth to enable global QKD networks. Polarization encoded photos are commonly utilized as qubits for these free space links, placing polarization distortion constrains on the optics used. \n \nTwo polarization distortion studies were conducted in this thesis. The first is a simulation of stress induced birefringence in the Window Observational Research Facility window on board the International Space Station (ISS). Atmospherics pressure inside the ISS elicits stress on window leading to optical birefringence, which in turn can distort the polarization of photons as they pass through the window. The model studies the birefringent effects for incoming optical beams over different polarizations, diameters and incoming angles. \n \nAs part of free space optical quantum links, it can be beneficial to utilize beam steering optics to manage the spatial positioning of various components in the system. Implementing beam steering optics can aid in achieving spatial and maneuverability requirements for ground stations and satellites as they track each other. However, these optics can have an adverse effect on incoming photon polarization states. Because of this, the effects of various different beam steering configurations were characterized experimentally, and compared to a corresponding simulated model. \n \nThe studies presented in this thesis have revealed that common optics such as windows and mirrors can distort polarization based quantum signals. The polarization distortion of the studied optics have shown high dependencies on the angular orientation of the incoming optical beam. However, the distortions measured can be noticeably reduced by implementing compensation optics. As a result, their distortions are not detrimental to a quantum link that utilizes them. The studies presented in this thesis are critical to the design of polarization based quantum receivers as they shed light on potential sources of link distortions. This work is part of a large collection of developments bringing the implementation of global quantum key distribution networks closer to reality.

•May 15, 2020•0 citations

Pilot quantum error correction for global-scale quantum communications

Laszlo Gyongyosi, Sándor Imre

Real global-scale quantum communications and quantum key distribution systems cannot be implemented by the current fiber and free-space links. These links have high attenuation, low polarization-preserving capability or extreme sensitivity to the environment. A potential solution to the problem is the space-earth quantum channels. These channels have no absorption since the signal states are propagated in empty space, however a small fraction of these channels is in the atmosphere, which causes slight depolarizing effect. Furthermore, the relative motion of the ground station and the satellite causes a rotation in the polarization of the quantum states. In the current approaches to compensate for these types of polarization errors, high computational costs and extra physical apparatuses are required. Here we introduce a novel approach which breaks with the traditional views of currently developed quantum-error correction schemes. The proposed solution can be applied to fix the polarization errors which are critical in space-earth quantum communication systems. The channel coding scheme provides capacity-achieving communication over slightly depolarizing space-earth channels.

arXiv:1207.4502•IEEE Swarm Intelligence Symposium•Apr 1, 2013•3 citations

Viewpoint: Sending Quantum Messages Through Space

Eleni Diamanti

Fragile photon states useful for quantum communication can be faithfully transmitted and distinguished over a link between an orbiting satellite and a telescope on Earth.

•Jul 20, 2015•0 citations
Satellite networks and quantum communications offer complementary opportunities for enhanced operations. Quantum communications provide security for the transmissions between satellites and ground stations; while the free-space link of satellite networks provide the potential of long distance transmission of quantum bits (qubit) for space communications. However, with the promising advantages of the two approaches, challenges remain to fully develop quantum-based satellite communications such as robust and reliable information detection which is difficult to achieve due to the movement of satellites. In this paper, a tracking algorithm is proposed for polarization-encoded quantum satellite communications where polarization states are used to determine the bit transfer between the transmitter and receiver. The polarization tracking is essential for the decoding of a qubit and the quantum key distribution (QKD). A practical channel model for free-space quantum communications is adopted in this paper. With the estimated polarization, a novel dynamic polarization compensation scheme is also proposed. The results show that our methods can accurately estimate the polarization, providing much lower quantum bit error rate (QBER) by compensation, as compared with the direct qubit detection without polarization tracking and compensation scheme.
The field of quantum key distribution (QKD) has seen many advancements since its conception in 1984. Recently there have been developments towards establishing free space optical links between satellites and earth to enable global QKD networks. Polarization encoded photos are commonly utilized as qubits for these free space links, placing polarization distortion constrains on the optics used. \n \nTwo polarization distortion studies were conducted in this thesis. The first is a simulation of stress induced birefringence in the Window Observational Research Facility window on board the International Space Station (ISS). Atmospherics pressure inside the ISS elicits stress on window leading to optical birefringence, which in turn can distort the polarization of photons as they pass through the window. The model studies the birefringent effects for incoming optical beams over different polarizations, diameters and incoming angles. \n \nAs part of free space optical quantum links, it can be beneficial to utilize beam steering optics to manage the spatial positioning of various components in the system. Implementing beam steering optics can aid in achieving spatial and maneuverability requirements for ground stations and satellites as they track each other. However, these optics can have an adverse effect on incoming photon polarization states. Because of this, the effects of various different beam steering configurations were characterized experimentally, and compared to a corresponding simulated model. \n \nThe studies presented in this thesis have revealed that common optics such as windows and mirrors can distort polarization based quantum signals. The polarization distortion of the studied optics have shown high dependencies on the angular orientation of the incoming optical beam. However, the distortions measured can be noticeably reduced by implementing compensation optics. As a result, their distortions are not detrimental to a quantum link that utilizes them. The studies presented in this thesis are critical to the design of polarization based quantum receivers as they shed light on potential sources of link distortions. This work is part of a large collection of developments bringing the implementation of global quantum key distribution networks closer to reality.
Real global-scale quantum communications and quantum key distribution systems cannot be implemented by the current fiber and free-space links. These links have high attenuation, low polarization-preserving capability or extreme sensitivity to the environment. A potential solution to the problem is the space-earth quantum channels. These channels have no absorption since the signal states are propagated in empty space, however a small fraction of these channels is in the atmosphere, which causes slight depolarizing effect. Furthermore, the relative motion of the ground station and the satellite causes a rotation in the polarization of the quantum states. In the current approaches to compensate for these types of polarization errors, high computational costs and extra physical apparatuses are required. Here we introduce a novel approach which breaks with the traditional views of currently developed quantum-error correction schemes. The proposed solution can be applied to fix the polarization errors which are critical in space-earth quantum communication systems. The channel coding scheme provides capacity-achieving communication over slightly depolarizing space-earth channels.