Berlin 2024 – scientific programme
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QI: Fachverband Quanteninformation
QI 3: Quantum Communication
QI 3.4: Talk
Monday, March 18, 2024, 10:15–10:30, HFT-TA 441
QKD Post-Processing in Space — •Adomas Baliuka1,2, Michael Auer1,2,3, Moritz Birkhold1,2, Lukas Knips1,2,4, and Harald Weinfurter1,2,4,5 — 1Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany — 2Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, Munich, Germany — 3Universität der Bundeswehr München, Neubiberg, Germany — 4Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, Garching, Germany — 5Institute of Theoretical Physics and Astrophysics, University of Gdańsk, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland
Classical post-processing is an essential part of all quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols. For satellite-based QKD, additional challenges arise from the harsh conditions in earth’s orbit, where classical communication throughput is scarce and available computational capabilities are limited by a tight power budget and the need for radiation-resistant components. At the same time, this high-loss QKD scenario leaves no room for compromises concerning, e.g., the efficiency of error correction, or the use of viable satellite overpasses for demanding computations and classical communication.
To meet these challenges, we minimize the amount of data transmitted for post-processing by dedicated compression methods. We further perform error correction using irregular quasi-cyclic (QC) low density parity check (LDPC) codes and state-of-the-art rate adaption techniques. Despite our large block sizes, this allows our QKD post-processing to stay within tight memory and time constraints without compromising on efficiency, and offloads demanding computations to the receiver on ground.
Keywords: Quantum Key Distribution; Post Processing; Satellites; LDPC