Satellite Quantum Research Articles

Dawn and dusk satellite quantum key distribution using time and phase based encoding and polarization filtering

Dawn and dusk satellite quantum key distribution using time and phase based encoding and polarization filtering

Simultaneously Enhancing Brightness and Purity of WSe2 Single Photon Emitter Using High-Aspect-Ratio Nanopillar Array on Metal.

A monolayer semiconductor transferred on nanopillar arrays provides site-controlled, on-chip single photon emission, which is a scalable light source platform for quantum technologies. However, the brightness of these emitters reported to date often falls short of the perceived requirement for such applications. Also, the single photon purity usually degrades as the brightness increases. Hence, there is a need for a design methodology to achieve an enhanced emission rate while maintaining high single photon purity. By using WSe2 on high-aspect-ratio (∼3, at least 2-fold higher than previous reports) nanopillar arrays, here we demonstrate >10 MHz single photon emission rate in the 770-800 nm band that is compatible with quantum memory and repeater networks (Rb-87-D1/D2 lines) and satellite quantum communication. The emitters exhibit excellent purity (even at high emission rates) and improved out-coupling due to the use of a gold back reflector that quenches the emission away from the nanopillar.

Constellation design and performance of future quantum satellite gravity missions

Temporal aliasing is currently the largest error contributor to time-variable satellite gravity field models. Therefore, the evolution of sensor technologies has to be complemented by strategies to reduce temporal aliasing errors. The most straightforward way to improve temporal aliasing is through extended satellite constellations because they improve the observation geometry and increase the achievable temporal resolution. Therefore, strategies to optimize the design of larger satellite constellations are investigated in this contribution. A complete constellation modeling procedure is presented, starting from primary design variables (such as the required targeted resolutions) and concluding with concrete orbital elements for the individual satellites. In parallel, it is evaluated if improved instrument sensitivities based on quantum technologies (cold atom interferometry) can be fully exploited in the case of larger constellations. For this, future quantum satellite gravity missions adopting the gradiometry concept (similar to the GOCE mission) and the low-low satellite-to-satellite tracking concept (similar to GRACE/-FO) are simulated on optimized constellations with up to 6 satellites/pairs. The retrieval performance of a 6-pair mission in terms of the global equivalent water height RMS can be improved by a factor of roughly 3 compared to an inclined double-pair mission. 3D-gradiometry intrinsically has a better de-aliasing behavior but has extremely high accuracy requirements for the gradiometer (about 10 µEotvos) and the attitude reconstruction to be of any benefit. All simulations show that when incorporating improved sensor technologies, such as future quantum sensing instruments in extended constellations, temporal aliasing will remain the dominant error source by far, up to five orders of magnitude larger than the instrument errors. Therefore, improving sensor technologies has to go hand in hand with larger satellite constellations and improved space–time parameterization strategies to further reduce temporal aliasing effects.Graphical

Vacuum Beam Guide for Large Scale Quantum Networks.

The vacuum beam guide (VBG) presents a completely different solution for quantum channels to overcome the limitations of existing fiber and satellite technologies for long-distance quantum communication. With an array of aligned lenses spaced kilometers apart, the VBG offers ultrahigh transparency over a wide range of optical wavelengths. With realistic parameters, the VBG can outperform the best fiber by 3 orders of magnitude in terms of attenuation rate. Consequently, the VBG can enable long-range quantum communication over thousands of kilometers with quantum channel capacity beyond 10^{13} qubit/sec, orders of magnitude higher than the state-of-the-art quantum satellite communication rate. Remarkably, without relying on quantum repeaters, the VBG can provide a ground-based, low-loss, high-bandwidth quantum channel that enables novel distributed quantum information applications for computing, communication, and sensing.

Connecting quantum cities: simulation of a satellite-based quantum network

We present and analyze an architecture for a European-scale quantum network using satellite links to connect Quantum Cities, which are metropolitan quantum networks with minimal hardware requirements for the end users. Using NetSquid, a quantum network simulation tool based on discrete events, we assess and benchmark the performance of such a network linking distant locations in Europe in terms of quantum key distribution rates, considering realistic parameters for currently available or near-term technology. Our results highlight the key parameters and the limits of current satellite quantum communication links and can be used to assist the design of future missions. We also discuss the possibility of using high-altitude balloons as an alternative to satellites.

Optimized Recovery of the Frequency of Repetition of a Satellite Quantum Signal

Optimized Recovery of the Frequency of Repetition of a Satellite Quantum Signal

Free-space quantum key distribution during daylight and at night

Current satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) is limited to nighttime operations, and the reliance on microwave communication for key distillation leads to significant delays, often spanning several days. These challenges collectively hinder the establishment of a practical global-scale quantum network. Here, by developing a 625-MHz inherently robust decoy-state light source and daytime noise suppression close to the Fourier transform limitation, we achieve QKD covering all the 24 h of the day over a 20-km terrestrial free-space channel, resulting in an average secure key rate of approximately 495 bps. Additionally, bidirectional laser communication is integrated into the QKD transmitter and the ground station to enable real-time key distillation, improving the timeliness from days to real time. This comprehensive verification lays a solid foundation and paves the way for all-day real-time QKD with quantum satellites.

Time-delayed single satellite quantum repeater node for global quantum communications

Global-scale quantum networking faces significant technical and scientific obstacles. Quantum repeaters (QRs) have been proposed to overcome the inherent direct transmission range limit through optical fiber. However, QRs are typically limited to a total distance of a few thousand kilometers and/or require extensive hardware overhead. Recent proposals suggest that strings of space-borne QRs with on-board quantum memories (QMs) are able to provide global coverage. Here, we propose an alternative to such repeater constellations using a single satellite with two QMs that effectively acts as a time-delayed version of a single QR node. By physically transporting stored qubits, our protocol improves long-distance entanglement distribution with reduced system complexity over previous proposals. We estimate the amount of secure key in the finite block regime and demonstrate an improvement of at least three orders of magnitude over prior single-satellite methods that rely on a single QM, while simultaneously reducing the necessary memory capacity similarly. We propose an experimental platform to realize this scheme based on rare-earth ion doped crystals with appropriate performance parameters. By exploiting recent advances in quantum memory lifetimes, we are able to significantly reduce system complexity while achieving high key rates, bringing global quantum networking closer to implementation.

Satellite-based entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation with continuous variables

Advances in satellite quantum communications aim at reshaping the global telecommunication network by increasing the security of the transferred information. Here, we study the effects of atmospheric turbulence in continuous-variable entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation in the optical regime between a ground station and a satellite. More specifically, we study the degradation of entanglement due to various error sources in the distribution, namely, diffraction, atmospheric attenuation, turbulence, and detector inefficiency, in both downlink and uplink scenarios. As the fidelity of a quantum teleportation protocol using these distributed entangled resources is not sufficient, we include an intermediate station for either state generation, or beam refocusing, in order to reduce the effects of atmospheric turbulence and diffraction, respectively. The results show the feasibility of free-space entanglement distribution and quantum teleportation in downlink paths up to the LEO region, but also in uplink paths with the help of the intermediate station. Finally, we complete the study with microwave-optical comparison in bad weather situations, and with the study of horizontal paths in ground-to-ground and inter-satellite quantum communication.

In-orbit dark count rate performance and radiation damage high-temperature annealing of silicon avalanche photodiode single-photon detectors of the Micius satellite.

Silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) single-photon detectors in space are continuously affected by radiation, which gradually degrades their dark count performance. From August 2016 to June 2023, we conducted approximately seven years (2507 days) of in-orbit monitoring of the dark count performance of APD single-photon detectors on the Micius Quantum Science Experimental Satellite. The results showed that due to radiation effects, the dark count growth rate was approximately 6.79 cps/day @ -24 °C and 0.37 cps/day @ -55 °C, with a significant suppression effect on radiation-induced dark counts at lower operating temperature. Based on the proposed radiation damage induced dark count annealing model, simulations were conducted for the in-orbit dark counts of the detector, the simulation results are consistent with in-orbit test data. In May 2022, four of these detectors underwent a cumulative 5.7 hours high-temperature annealing test at 76 °C, dark count rate shows no measurable changes, consistent with annealing model. As of now, these ten APD single-photon detectors on the Micius Quantum Science Experimental Satellite have been in operation for approximately 2507 days and are still functioning properly, providing valuable experience for the future long-term space applications of silicon APD single-photon detectors.

Performance of satellite quantum key distribution under atmospheric turbulence-induced phase fluctuations

Performance of satellite quantum key distribution under atmospheric turbulence-induced phase fluctuations

Eurasian-scale experimental satellite-based quantum key distribution with detector efficiency mismatch analysis.

The Micius satellite is the pioneering initiative to demonstrate quantum teleportation, entanglement distribution, quantum key distribution (QKD), and quantum-secured communications experiments at the global scale. In this work, we report on the results of the 600-mm-aperture ground station design which has enabled the establishment of a quantum-secured link between the Zvenigorod and Nanshan ground stations using the Micius satellite. As a result of a quantum communications session, an overall sifted key of 2.5 Mbits and a total final key length of 310 kbits have been obtained. We present an extension of the security analysis of the realization of satellite-based QKD decoy-state protocol by taking into account the effect of the detection-efficiency mismatch for four detectors. We also simulate the QKD protocol for the satellite passage and by that validate our semi-empirical model for a realistic receiver, which is in good agreement with the experimental data. Our results pave the way to the considerations of realistic imperfection of the QKD systems, which are important in the context of their practical security.

A fast and efficient algorithm for time synchronization in satellite quantum key distribution

Time synchronization is one of the most crucial issues that must be addressed in developing quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. It not only lets the transmitter and the receiver to assign a sequence number to each event and then do correct basis reconciliation, but also allows to increase signal-to-noise ratio. Time synchronization in satellite communications is especially complicated due to such factors as high loss, signal fading and Doppler effect. In this work, a simple, efficient and robust algorithm for time synchronization is proposed. It was tested during experiments on QKD between Micius, the world’s first quantum communications satellite, and an optical ground station located in Russia. The obtained synchronization precision lies in the range from 467 to 497 ps. The authors compare their algorithm for time synchronization with the previously used methods. The proposed approach can also be applied to terrestrial QKD systems.

Real-time gigahertz free-space quantum key distribution within an emulated satellite overpass.

Satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) intermediated by a trusted satellite in a low-Earth orbit to ground stations along the satellite's path allows remote users to connect securely. To establish a secure connection, a SatQKD session must be conducted to each user over a dynamically changing free-space link, all within just a few hundred seconds. Because of the short time and large losses under which the QKD protocol will be implemented, it has not yet been possible to form a complete key by transmitting all the relevant information required within a single overpass of the satellite. Here, we demonstrate a real-time QKD system that is capable of forming a 4.58-megabit secure key between two nodes within an emulated satellite overpass. We anticipate that our system will set the stage for practical implementations of intercontinental quantum secure communications that can operate over large networks of nodes and enable the secure transmission of data globally.

Modelling and experimental testing of an optical synchronisation beacon designed for high‐loss satellite quantum communication

AbstractLong‐distance free space quantum key distribution based on CubeSats can be used to establish global quantum secure communication networks, with potential commercial applications benefitting from the low cost of its design and launch. Detecting single‐photon level optical pulses sent from space requires highly accurate and robust timing systems to pick out signals from the noise. For such high‐loss applications, we envisage a low‐repetition (sub‐MHz) beacon laser emitting short (ns) high‐peak‐power pulses from which interpolated quantum signal arrival windows can be derived. We firstly study theoretically the effects of jitter on the efficiency of gating quantum signals including all important jitter sources, and then experimentally investigated it by changing the clock jitter, and the result shows that the greater jitter will reduce the gating rate of the signal. The experimental interpolation error is tested against loss under laboratory conditions giving results close to our model. We also found that the jitter introduced by the Doppler effect can be ignored with a repetition rate larger than 1 kHz. This model can be directly used for the performance analysis and optimisation of all quantum and non‐quantum systems using similar synchronisation schemes over terrestrial free space or fibre.

Hong-Ou-Mandel interference with a diode-pumped 1-GHz Ti:sapphire laser

Correlated photon pairs generated through spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) are a key resource in quantum optics. In many quantum optics applications, such as satellite quantum key distribution (QKD), a compact, high repetition rate pump laser is required. Here we demonstrate the use of a compact, GHz-rate diode-pumped three-element Kerr-lens-modelocked Ti:sapphire laser for the generation of correlated photon pairs at 790 nm. We verify the presence of indistinguishable photons produced via SPDC using Hong-Ou-Mandel (HOM) interferometry and observe a dip in coincidence counts with a visibility of 81.8%.

Finite key performance of satellite quantum key distribution under practical constraints

Global-scale quantum communication networks will require efficient long-distance distribution of quantum signals. While optical fibre communications are range-limited due to exponential losses in the absence of quantum memories and repeaters, satellites enable intercontinental quantum communications. However, the design of satellite quantum key distribution (SatQKD) systems has unique challenges over terrestrial networks. The typical approach to modelling SatQKD has been to estimate performances with a fully optimised protocol parameter space and with few payload and platform resource limitations. Here, we analyse how practical constraints affect the performance of SatQKD for the Bennett-Brassard 1984 (BB84) weak coherent pulse decoy state protocol with finite key size effects. We consider engineering limitations and trade-offs in mission design including limited in-orbit tunability, quantum random number generation rates and storage, and source intensity uncertainty. We quantify practical SatQKD performance limits to determine the long-term key generation capacity and provide performance benchmarks to support the design of upcoming missions.

Topology Abstraction-Based Routing Scheme for Secret-Key Provisioning in Hybrid GEO/LEO Quantum Satellite Networks.

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a promising technique to resist the threat against quantum computers. However, the high loss of quantum signals over a long-distance optical fiber is an obstacle for QKD in the intercontinental domain. In this context, the quantum satellite network is preferred over the terrestrial quantum optical network. Due to the mobility of satellites, the satellite topology is dynamic in the quantum satellite network, which remains a challenge for routing. In hybrid geostationary-earth-orbit (GEO)/low-earth-orbit (LEO) quantum satellite networks, the lack of an efficient scheduling scheme for GEO/LEO satellites also limits the construction of quantum satellite networks. Therefore, this paper provides a topology abstraction-based routing scheme for secret-key provisioning, where the dynamic physical topology is translated into a quasi-static abstracted topology. This scheme contributes to saving the precious secret key resources. In order to improve the success probability of long-distance QKD requests, three novel resource-scheduling heuristic algorithms are proposed in hybrid GEO/LEO quantum satellite networks. Simulation results indicate that the proposed algorithms can improve the success probability of QKD requests by 47% compared to the benchmark.

Multicore fiber beacon system for reducing back-reflection in satellite quantum key distribution.

Optical beaconing is an important part of the acquisition, pointing and tracking system necessary for free-space quantum key distribution (QKD). However, uplink beacon back-reflections from the receiver architecture can result in noise. Wavelength- and time-division multiplexing has been used, but neither is yet sufficient to make back-reflection negligible. The use of additional telescopes increases complexity and pointing error. Here, we propose the use of a 2-by-2 multicore fiber, to act as an optical uplink beacon source. This spatially separates the QKD channel and optical uplink beacon. Up to 50 dB improvement in noise rejection over a purely spectrally divided system was demonstrated. The route to further improvements through greater fiber core separation is described. Beacon systems designed in this way could provide a combination of reduced complexity and improved noise performance to free-space and satellite QKD and optical communications.

Eutelsat Quantum a fully flexible software defined satellite successfully operating on orbit

The satellite industry is evolving at a rate not seen in its previous 60 year history. The industry is attracting investment from new players resulting in billions of euros being invested in new space mega constellations. Despite rumours to the contrary, this investment in LEO / MEO systems does not indicate the demise of traditional GEO satellites but is in fact stimulating competition & new technology developments across the whole satellite ecosystem. Traditional GEO satellite operators and manufacturers are now able to capitalize on this growth in the overall industry along with the traditional strengths of the GEO orbit namely reach, broadcasting efficiency and terminal simplicity bringing to market a new generation of GEO flexible software defined satellites. Airbus has always been a leader and innovator in the domain of flexible satellite payload products, and have been designing and building fully flexible digital beam formed active antennas in L band for GEO mobile missions for more than 15 years, using Array Fed Reflector antenna architectures. Based on this heritage and capability Airbus was selected by Eutelsat to design, manufacture, & qualify the Eutelsat Quantum Satellite. Airbus has worked hand in hand with Eutelsat to bring this innovative software defined satellite vision to market and is proud to confirm that the satellite (along with all its supporting operational software) is operating in orbit in full compliance to its requirements and predicted capabilities. The Eutelsat Quantum satellite is the first (to our knowledge) of the new generation of fully flexible Ku band satellites deploying wideband active antennas in transmit and receive frequencies along with flexible channelization and connectivity. This suite of flexible payload technologies provide the satellite with all key aspects of payload flexibility namely coverage, RF power and frequency plan / connectivity. Furthermore, the active antennas also support value added functions such as GEO location, uplink interference management and beam hopping. As such the Eutelsat Quantum Satellite is a trail blazer in being the first to market product in the domain of fully flexible Ku band satellites and is the first to have been launched and successfully tested in orbit. This paper will detail the overall design approach to the Eutelsat Quantum satellite, its game changing overall capabilities, its technical solution and industrial footprint.