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

Russian Microelectronics

Blockwise Maximization of the Secret Key with Signal Breaks in Satellite-Based Quantum Key Distribution

E. Ivchenko, A. Chernov, A. V. Khmelev, V. L. Kurochkin

Published Dec 1, 2023• 1 citation
Publisher

Abstract

Abstract Satellite-based quantum communication is a promising technology for the secure worldwide sharing of data because quantum states are conveyed across free-space links with significantly less attenuation than optical fiber. However, the restricted communication time and dynamic parameter changes limit the secret key length, and to maximize the possible final key, an effective division of satellite-to-ground quantum communication at intervals must be chosen. Here, we present an original blockwise analysis for maximizing secret key length using the signal-to-noise ratio obtained after the frequency synchronization procedure. To validate our method, we perform an experimental simulation of the quantum key distribution protocol between the Micius satellite and the 600 mm aperture ground station with additional random channel breaks. As a result, the proposed blockwise method leads to an increase in the final key length compared to processing the full amount of noisy data.

DOI
10.1134/s1063739723600164

Related papers

Blockwise Key Distillation in Satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution

Minu J. Bae, Nitish K. Panigrahy, Prajit Dhara +4 more

Free-space satellite communication has significantly lower photon loss than terrestrial communication via optical fibers. Satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages this advantage and provides a promising direction in achieving long-distance inter-continental QKD. Satellite channels, however, can be highly dynamic due to various environmental factors and time-of-the-day effects, leading to heterogeneous noises over time. In this paper, we compare two key distillation techniques for satellite-based QKD. One is the traditional {\em non-blockwise} strategy that treats all the signals as a whole; the other is a {\em blockwise} strategy that divides the signals into individual blocks that have similar noise characteristics and processes them independently. Through extensive simulation in a wide range of settings, we show trends in optimal parameter choices and when one strategy provides better key generation rates than the other. Our results show that the blockwise strategy can lead to up to $5\%$ key rate improvement (leading to on average $1.9\times10^{7}$ more key bits per day) when considering two types of blocks, i.e., for nighttime and daytime, respectively. The blockwise strategy only requires changes in the classical post-processing stage of QKD and can be easily deployed in existing satellite systems.

arXiv:2307.04300•Jul 10, 2023•0 citations

Improving length estimation of the secret key in satellite-to-ground quantum channel

Egor I. Ivchenko, A. V. Khmelev, V. L. Kurochkin

We study and optimize the length of the secret sequence depending on the intervals of splitting the communication session between the satellite and the ground station during the quantum key distribution. Due to dynamically changing channel parameters, the proposed technique allows for significant increases in the final key rate and length.

Известия Российской академии наук Серия физическая•Jun 15, 2024•0 citations

Semi-Empirical Satellite-to-Ground Quantum Key Distribution Model for Realistic Receivers

A. V. Khmelev, Egor I. Ivchenko, Alexander V. Miller +3 more

Satellite-based link analysis is valuable for efficient and secure quantum communication, despite seasonal limits and restrictions on transmission times. A semi-empirical quantum key distribution model for satellite-based systems was proposed that simplifies simulations of communication links. Unlike other theoretical models, our approach was based on the experimentally-determined atmospheric extinction coefficient typical for mid-latitude ground stations. The parameter was measured for both clear and foggy conditions, and it was validated using published experimental data from the Micius satellite. Using this model, we simulated secure QKD between the Micius satellite and ground stations with 300 mm and 600 mm aperture telescopes.

Entropy•Apr 17, 2023•22 citations

Finite key effects in satellite quantum key distribution

Jasminder S. Sidhu, Thomas Brougham, Duncan McArthur +2 more

Abstract Global quantum communications will enable long-distance secure data transfer, networked distributed quantum information processing, and other entanglement-enabled technologies. Satellite quantum communication overcomes optical fibre range limitations, with the first realisations of satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) being rapidly developed. However, limited transmission times between satellite and ground station severely constrains the amount of secret key due to finite-block size effects. Here, we analyse these effects and the implications for system design and operation, utilising published results from the Micius satellite to construct an empirically-derived channel and system model for a trusted-node downlink employing efficient Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) weak coherent pulse decoy states with optimised parameters. We quantify practical SatQKD performance limits and examine the effects of link efficiency, background light, source quality, and overpass geometries to estimate long-term key generation capacity. Our results may guide design and analysis of future missions, and establish performance benchmarks for both sources and detectors.

arXiv:2012.07829•npj Quantum Information•Feb 16, 2022•73 citations

Blockwise Post-Processing in Satellite-Based Quantum Key Distribution

Minu J. Bae, Nitish K. Panigrahy, Prajit Dhara +5 more

Free-space satellite communication has significantly lower photon loss than terrestrial communication via optical fibers. Satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages this advantage and provides a promising direction in achieving long-distance QKD. While the technological feasibility of satellite-based QKD has been demonstrated experimentally, optimizing the key rate remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we argue that improving classical post-processing is an important direction in increasing key rate in satellite-based QKD, while can also be easily incorporated in existing satellite systems. In particular, we explore one direction, blockwise post-processing, to address highly dynamic satellite channel conditions due to various environmental factors. This blockwise strategy divides the raw key bits into individual blocks that have similar noise characteristics, and processes them independently, in contrast to traditional non-blockwise strategy that treats all the raw key bits as a whole. Using a case study, we discuss the choice of blocks in blockwise strategy, and show that blockwise strategy can significantly outperform non-blockwise strategy. Our study demonstrates the importance of post-processing in satellite QKD systems, and presents several open problems in this direction.

arXiv:2503.06031•IEEE Network•Feb 21, 2025•3 citations

Improving Estimates of the Length of a Secret Key in the Channel of an Earth Satellite

Egor I. Ivchenko, A. V. Khmelev, V. L. Kurochkin

Abstract The length of a secret sequence is studied and optimized, depending on the communication session’s splitting of intervals the quantum distribution of the key between a satellite and the ground station. The proposed technique can greatly increase the rate of key generation, due to dynamically changing channel parameters.

Bulletin of the Russian Academy of Sciences Physics•Jun 1, 2024•1 citation
Abstract Satellite-based quantum communication is a promising technology for the secure worldwide sharing of data because quantum states are conveyed across free-space links with significantly less attenuation than optical fiber. However, the restricted communication time and dynamic parameter changes limit the secret key length, and to maximize the possible final key, an effective division of satellite-to-ground quantum communication at intervals must be chosen. Here, we present an original blockwise analysis for maximizing secret key length using the signal-to-noise ratio obtained after the frequency synchronization procedure. To validate our method, we perform an experimental simulation of the quantum key distribution protocol between the Micius satellite and the 600 mm aperture ground station with additional random channel breaks. As a result, the proposed blockwise method leads to an increase in the final key length compared to processing the full amount of noisy data.
Free-space satellite communication has significantly lower photon loss than terrestrial communication via optical fibers. Satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages this advantage and provides a promising direction in achieving long-distance inter-continental QKD. Satellite channels, however, can be highly dynamic due to various environmental factors and time-of-the-day effects, leading to heterogeneous noises over time. In this paper, we compare two key distillation techniques for satellite-based QKD. One is the traditional {\em non-blockwise} strategy that treats all the signals as a whole; the other is a {\em blockwise} strategy that divides the signals into individual blocks that have similar noise characteristics and processes them independently. Through extensive simulation in a wide range of settings, we show trends in optimal parameter choices and when one strategy provides better key generation rates than the other. Our results show that the blockwise strategy can lead to up to 5%5\%5% key rate improvement (leading to on average 1.9×1071.9\times10^{7}1.9×107 more key bits per day) when considering two types of blocks, i.e., for nighttime and daytime, respectively. The blockwise strategy only requires changes in the classical post-processing stage of QKD and can be easily deployed in existing satellite systems.
Satellite-based link analysis is valuable for efficient and secure quantum communication, despite seasonal limits and restrictions on transmission times. A semi-empirical quantum key distribution model for satellite-based systems was proposed that simplifies simulations of communication links. Unlike other theoretical models, our approach was based on the experimentally-determined atmospheric extinction coefficient typical for mid-latitude ground stations. The parameter was measured for both clear and foggy conditions, and it was validated using published experimental data from the Micius satellite. Using this model, we simulated secure QKD between the Micius satellite and ground stations with 300 mm and 600 mm aperture telescopes.
Abstract Global quantum communications will enable long-distance secure data transfer, networked distributed quantum information processing, and other entanglement-enabled technologies. Satellite quantum communication overcomes optical fibre range limitations, with the first realisations of satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) being rapidly developed. However, limited transmission times between satellite and ground station severely constrains the amount of secret key due to finite-block size effects. Here, we analyse these effects and the implications for system design and operation, utilising published results from the Micius satellite to construct an empirically-derived channel and system model for a trusted-node downlink employing efficient Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) weak coherent pulse decoy states with optimised parameters. We quantify practical SatQKD performance limits and examine the effects of link efficiency, background light, source quality, and overpass geometries to estimate long-term key generation capacity. Our results may guide design and analysis of future missions, and establish performance benchmarks for both sources and detectors.
Free-space satellite communication has significantly lower photon loss than terrestrial communication via optical fibers. Satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) leverages this advantage and provides a promising direction in achieving long-distance QKD. While the technological feasibility of satellite-based QKD has been demonstrated experimentally, optimizing the key rate remains a significant challenge. In this paper, we argue that improving classical post-processing is an important direction in increasing key rate in satellite-based QKD, while can also be easily incorporated in existing satellite systems. In particular, we explore one direction, blockwise post-processing, to address highly dynamic satellite channel conditions due to various environmental factors. This blockwise strategy divides the raw key bits into individual blocks that have similar noise characteristics, and processes them independently, in contrast to traditional non-blockwise strategy that treats all the raw key bits as a whole. Using a case study, we discuss the choice of blocks in blockwise strategy, and show that blockwise strategy can significantly outperform non-blockwise strategy. Our study demonstrates the importance of post-processing in satellite QKD systems, and presents several open problems in this direction.