Heidelberg 2015 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 59: Quantum Information: Quantum Communication I

Q 59.5: Talk

Thursday, March 26, 2015, 15:45–16:00, K/HS1

Satellite Quantum Communication using Weak Coherent States — •Dominique Elser^1,2, Christian Peuntinger^1,2, Bettina Heim^1,2, Imran Khan^1,2, Christoph Marquardt^1,2, Gerd Leuchs^1,2, Frank Heine³, Stefan Seel³, and Herwig Zech³ — ¹Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen, Germany — ²Institute of Optics, Information and Photonics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany — ³Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG, Backnang, Germany

Continuous-variable quantum communication can be mostly implemented with standard telecommunication components. This opens the possibility to adapt conventional optical communication systems to quantum key distribution (QKD).

We have recently demonstrated, for the first time, continuous-variable quantum communication through a real-world free space link [1, 2]. Our QKD link employs binary and quadrature phase shift keying of weak coherent states and homodyne detection at the receiver. The same methods are also used in the spaceborne Laser Communication Terminals (LCTs) of the European Data Relay System (EDRS). Based on this close similarity, we are investigating possibilities to adapt LCTs to QKD operation.

Here we will present an overview of this project.

0.5em

[1] B. Heim et al., New J. Phys. 16, 113018 (2014).

[2] C. Peuntinger et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 113, 060502 (2014).