Speaker
Christopher Pugh
(Institute for Quantum Computing)
Description
Global-scale distances for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) can be achieved by utilizing an orbiting satellite acting as an intermediate node between two or more ground stations. With QKD states encoded in photon polarization, the total number of photons collected (or equivalently, the total received optical power) is the limiting factor to the secure key generation rate. In this study we analyze the scenario of an optical uplink, ground to satellite, and how atmospheric turbulence affects the signal strength. Atmospheric turbulence mixes air of different temperatures and, hence, possessing different refractive indices along the beam path, inducing phase errors in the propagating beam. These phase errors have negligible impact on the beam in the near field, but their evolution creates temporal intensity fluctuations (scintillation), beam wander, and beam broadening along the path to the satellite. Here we investigate the use of adaptive optics to mitigate the effects of the atmosphere on the collected power of an uplink to a satellite-based receiver for QKD. We model four representative scenarios of atmospheric conditions which relate to ground station locations, and determine the impact of using an adaptive optics system to improve optical signal collection by a satellite receiver of various sizes.
Primary authors
Christopher Pugh
(Institute for Quantum Computing)
Jean-Francois Lavigne
(Institut national d'optique)
Co-authors
Dr
Brendon Higgins
(Institute for Quantum Computing)
Jean-Philippe Bourgoin
(Institute for Quantum Computing)
Dr
Thomas Jennewein
(Institute for Quantum Computing)
