Abstract
With the substantial progress of terrestrial fiber-based quantum networks and satellite-based quantum nodes, airborne quantum key distribution (QKD) is now becoming a flexible bond between terrestrial fiber and satellite, which is an efficient solution to establish a mobile, on-demand and real-time coverage quantum network. However, the boundary layer (BL) normally adhere to the surface of the aircraft when its speed is higher than Mach 0.3. The BL would change local refractive index and energy flux density drastically, thus lowering the coupling efficiency and infidelity of quantum states. Here, we investigate the airborne QKD performance with the BL effects, which has been rarely mentioned in existing research. Through simulations and modeling, we present the relation between divergence angle and secure key rate. With the increase of flight speed v, relative flight altitude h and the shortest projection distance d, the key-rate curve is obviously jitter, and the QKD performance is continuously reduced. Simulation results show that, under several typical circumstances, the BL will affect the communicating distance, the transmission efficiency and the generation of secure key rate in varying degrees, which is helpful for future airborne experimental designs.
Published Version
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