Quantum Satellites Envisioning a Quantum Internet for a Connected World

Kitti Oláh, László Bacsárdi

Jian-Wei Pan, Qiang Zhang

Samuraí Brito, Askery Canabarro, Daniel Cavalcanti +1 more

Recent milestone experiments establishing satellite-to-ground quantum communication are paving the way for the development of the quantum Internet, a network interconnected by quantum channels.Here, we employ network theory to study the properties of the photonic networks that can be generated by satellite-based quantum communication and compare them with those of their optical-fiber counterpart.We predict that satellites can generate small-world networks, implying that physically distant nodes are actually near from a network perspective.We also analyze the connectivity properties of the network and show, in particular, that they are robust against random failures.This positions satellite-based quantum communication as the most promising technology to distribute entanglement across large distances in quantum networks of growing size and complexity.

Pawar Radhika Maruti, Patu Shradha Gangadhar, Kulkarni Amarja Bhaskar +1 more

Today’s mobile phones depend on towers, satellites, and the internet for communication. They need constant recharges, SIM cards, and network providers. But in the future, communication can become completely different with the help of Quantum Chips. Quantum communication is the process of sending information using quantum states of particles (like photons) instead of traditional electrical signals. These quantum states can represent data in ways that are more secure and faster than normal communication methods. Extremely secure communication (cannot be hacked without detection) Faster and more efficient information transfer, Useful for quantum networks and future internet systems. A Quantum Chip uses the principles of quantum mechanics, such as superposition and entanglement, to process and transfer information. If this chip is used inside a mobile phone, the device can connect directly with another mobile without the need for towers, satellites, or cables. This technology will make mobile communication Highly secure (hack-proof due to quantum properties) Recharge-free communication system Independent of existing network providers. In short, a mobile with a quantum chip will change the way people communicate, bringing the world closer to the era of Quantum Internet. Quantum communication does not require mobile towers, but it does require optical fiber or satellite links to transmit data securely.

Phuc V. Trinh, Shinya Sugiura

This article envisions the concept of a ``Quantum Internet in the Sky", aiming to establish ubiquitous quantum communication links among distant nodes via free-space optical channels. Our key focus is on deploying quantum communication terminals on non-terrestrial platforms, specifically unmanned aerial vehicles and satellites, at various altitudes. By highlighting the unique characteristics of these platforms compared to terrestrial counterparts, we address inherent challenges and discuss potential solutions through meticulous system designs and analyses of typical non-terrestrial quantum communication scenarios. Finally, we illuminate the path forward by proposing essential future directions that underscore the integration of high-dimensional multipartite quantum communications with sensing, computing, and intelligence for multiple users en route to realizing a fully operational Quantum Internet.

Thomas D. Jennewein, Brendon L. Higgins, Eric Choi