Paving the Way for Satellite Quantum Communications
Date of Publication
1-1-2023 12:00 AM
Security Theme
Cybersecurity
Keywords
protocol, decoy-state BB84, weak coherent pulses, entangled photons, random key, QKD system, Micius, secure keys, ground stations, China, Austria, videoconference, quantum network, satellite-to-ground link, entanglement-based QKD, ground-based stations, entangled-photon generation rates, quantum key distribution, quantum communications protocols, quantum entanglement, photons, quantum states, quantum sensors, quantum computer, cryptography, information security, cities, Cybersecurity
Description
The article is a perspective on the future of quantum space communications, reviewing the efforts leading up to the launch of Micius, the Chinese Academy of Science's quantum communications satellite, and the major outcomes of the mission. The article discusses the challenges of transmitting light from a satellite to Earth and the solutions demonstrated by programs in China and other countries. Photons are identified as excellent carriers of quantum information, and quantum entanglement between multiple photons is useful in quantum communications protocols such as quantum key distribution. The success of the Micius mission proves the viability of several space-based quantum communications protocols, providing a solid foundation for future improvements that may lead to an Earth-spanning quantum communications network.
Paving the Way for Satellite Quantum Communications
The article is a perspective on the future of quantum space communications, reviewing the efforts leading up to the launch of Micius, the Chinese Academy of Science's quantum communications satellite, and the major outcomes of the mission. The article discusses the challenges of transmitting light from a satellite to Earth and the solutions demonstrated by programs in China and other countries. Photons are identified as excellent carriers of quantum information, and quantum entanglement between multiple photons is useful in quantum communications protocols such as quantum key distribution. The success of the Micius mission proves the viability of several space-based quantum communications protocols, providing a solid foundation for future improvements that may lead to an Earth-spanning quantum communications network.
