Erlangen 2018 – scientific programme

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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik

Q 51: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics IV

Q 51.31: Poster

Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 16:15–18:15, Redoutensaal

Satellite-based links for Quantum Key Distribution: a comprehensive model — •Carlo Liorni, Hermann Kampermann, and Dagmar Bruß — Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Institut für Theoretische Physik III, Düsseldorf, Germany

Quantum Key Distribution has the potential to become the first quantum technology to be applied in a real-world scenario. For intercontinental distances, the intrinsic losses introduced by silica fibres become too detrimental to establish any kind of useful communication. Satellite-based quantum links could, in principle, allow to cover such long distances. Uplinks and downlinks, comprising either a sending or a receiving ground station, are subjected to the deleterious effects of turbulent atmosphere and bad weather conditions.

We start from the model proposed in [1], in order to analyse the propagation of quantum light in a turbulent atmosphere with additional scatterers, like rain or fog. Many additional aspects must be considered: inhomogeneity of the atmosphere, pointing errors, variation of the link length along the orbit, presence of clouds, noise due to environmental light. The information-theoretic security criterion proposed in [2] will be adopted, allowing us to take into account finite-key effects, particularly important when considering links based on Low Earth Orbit satellites. Different implementations (continuous and discrete variables) and different protocols are differently affected by the noise. We use a comprehensive model that helps to find the most efficient choice in every scenario.