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International Astronautical Congress (IAC)

Satellite Communication Over Quantum Channel

László Bacsárdi

Published Oct 2, 2006• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract Quantum computing offers revolutionary solutions in the field of computer sciences, applying the opportunities of quantum physics which are incomparably richer than classical physics. Although quantum computers are going to be the tools of the far future, there are already a few algorithms to solve problems which are very difficult to handle with traditional computers. Perhaps the easiest example of a structure of a quantum system is a quantum channel. Typically, one is interested in some basis in the Hilbert space representing the input of a channel, which is entangled with a second Hilbert space representing the environment, and then another (possibly the same) basis for the first space at a later time. Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD)—over an optical path of about 30 cm—was first introduced in 1991, and recent advances have led to demonstrations. Indeed there are certain key distribution problems in this category for which free-space QKD has practical advantages (for example it is not practical to send a courier to a satellite). Quantum computing algorithms can be used to affirm our communication in several ways (open-air communication, satellite communications, satellite broadcast, satellite-satellite communication). We set up a free-space quantum-channel-model at the university and made several simulations. The main aim is to trace some adoptable algorithms in the communication between Earth and the satellite and also between satellites. This paper is a theoretical study to compare the simulation results of the three models.

DOI
10.2514/6.iac-06-b3.2.03

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Abstract Quantum computing offers revolutionary solutions in the field of computer sciences, applying the opportunities of quantum physics which are incomparably richer than classical physics. Although quantum computers are going to be the tools of the far future, there are already a few algorithms to solve problems which are very difficult to handle with traditional computers. Perhaps the easiest example of a structure of a quantum system is a quantum channel. Typically, one is interested in some basis in the Hilbert space representing the input of a channel, which is entangled with a second Hilbert space representing the environment, and then another (possibly the same) basis for the first space at a later time. Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD)—over an optical path of about 30 cm—was first introduced in 1991, and recent advances have led to demonstrations. Indeed there are certain key distribution problems in this category for which free-space QKD has practical advantages (for example it is not practical to send a courier to a satellite). Quantum computing algorithms can be used to affirm our communication in several ways (open-air communication, satellite communications, satellite broadcast, satellite-satellite communication). We set up a free-space quantum-channel-model at the university and made several simulations. The main aim is to trace some adoptable algorithms in the communication between Earth and the satellite and also between satellites. This paper is a theoretical study to compare the simulation results of the three models.
Quantum computing offers unique solutions applying tools of quantum physics, which are incomparably numerous than those of classical physics. Although quantum computers are the possible application of the far future, a few algorithms are already available for solving problems otherwise difficult to handle with traditional computers. Recently the telecommunication requires large amount of data transfer via satellites. An interesting way of dealing with this problem might be using quantum communication.
In the next years we have to handle the problems originated from the decreasing size of microchips. As everyday life is getting faster it requires researchers and engineers to respond to the growing needs. In telecommunication applications one of the most crucial issue to solve is how to transmit as many bytes at a given frequency in a second as possible. One way to determine the system’s efficiency is to measure the number of bytes sent per second. In this chapter we presented the base of quantum mechanic based communication. We showed that there exist already algorithms to solve problems which are very difficult to be solved by traditional computers. The quantum theory has appeared in satellite communications offering answers for some of nowadays’ technical questions. We introduced two solutions which can be useful in redundancy-free communications. One of the primary requirements of long-distance and free-space quantum communication is the capability of the effective transmission of quantum states in non-ideal, noisy environments. The free-space and satellite quantum channel could be the way to increase significantly the distance limit of current quantum communication systems. The current earthbound freespace quantum channels have the advantage in that they can be combined with satellite quantum communication. In the future, we will be able to overcome the current distance limits in quantum communication by transmitting EPR-states from space to Earth.
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.
Quantum communications offers secure and reliable key distribution protocols. The quantum solutions can be used in laser based satellite communications. However, many different physical parameters need to be taken into account to model a free-space optical channel. To complete the determination of e.g., the Quantum Bit Error Rate, a series of derived procedures are needed to execute, which has high complexity. An ideal solution is to place the calculations for simulation software, which issues all of the interpretable information about the properties of the communication channel. We created a free-space optical Earth-space channel model, developed a simulator and modeled the behavior of three quantum key distribution protocols for a given parameter set.
In this society people are always connected, and everyday they manage a lot of personal data also risking to be eavesdropped. Quantum science is one the most promising field of the next years, from quantum computing to quantum communications and above all quantum cryptography. Quantum cryptography is the first commercial application of quantum physics and moreover it results one of the most reliable solution for security problem. Using Quantum Physic law's it is possible to establish secure communications between two users, guaranteeing unconditionally security in the transmission of data. Unfortunately due to the intrinsic losses inside optical fibers, it is not possible to establish a quantum link over 300300300 km until quantum repeater will be achievable. The natural extension of terrestrial quantum links are space communications, where however the problems due to environment, temperature and pressure are totally new for quantum devices. The study investigated the possibility of sending quantum signals through atmosphere, in particular trying to realize quantum communications between Earth and Space. In this perspective we used Laser Ranging corner-cubes mounted into satellites to recreate a space quantum link. It was possible to prove that even with high losses, variable attenuation, and high backgorund a quantum key distribution system works, and an unconditionally secure key, needful for encryption, can be generated. With this experiments we demonstrate that not only free-space quantum key distribution is a ready technology, but also that quantum satellite communications is nowadays possible and realizable. Moreover these results open the way to look towards a global space quantum network, where optical station (OGS) could talk with satellite and vice-versa. This work was supported by the Strategic Project QUANTUMFUTURE of University of Padova, by ESAGNSS program and realized in Luxor laboratories in Padova. The principal tests were made at Telespazio (Matera) using the Matera Laser Ranging Observatory and into Thales Alenia Space (Torino).