Free-Space Quantum Bit Transfer over a 26 Km Urban Path

Paul Edwards, P Zelman, Brian O'KEEFFE

    Research output: Contribution to conference (non-published works)Abstract

    Abstract

    We have successfully demonstrated the transmission of quasi single-photon quantum key bits at a
    rate exceeding 100 bps over a 26 km free-space urban path with bit error rates within the limits
    required by the commonly used B92 and BB84 quantum key distribution protocols. Linearly polarised photons were fibre coupled from an 830 nm laser diode to a photon launcher consisting of a fibre collimator and 40 mm optical beam expander. The laser was pulsed at 1MHz with mean photon occupancies per pulse below unity. Unlike recent claims of fibre–optic quantum key distribution over a distance of 100 km, the error rates in our trial were sufficiently low to ensure non-zero information content of random keys exchanged under the conditions of the trial. We believe that our results represent a significant step forward towards quantum key exchanges over global distances using earth satellites as key couriers, since atmospheric turbulence is generally recognised to be the limiting factor in such
    exchanges. The demonstrations were conducted at lower altitudes, over longer paths and under more difficult propagation conditions than similar atmospheric trials in Europe and the USA. They were supported by comprehensive monitoring of optical wave-front distortion and intensity fluctuations due to turbulence. This showed that the effects of turbulence in our trials were more pronounced than expected for realistic optical links between ground stations and low earth orbit satellites. We observed effective image diameters exceeding 5 arc seconds and mean square scintillation indices of order unity, averaged over our 250 mm receiving aperture. We therefore believe that we have realistically simulated the worst case effects of atmospheric turbulence expected over practical ground to earth orbit single-photon qubit links and that consequently we have demonstrated the feasibilty of exchanging secure quantum keys over continental and global distances by earth satellite.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages1
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 2004
    EventWARS04 Conference - Hobart, Australia
    Duration: 18 Feb 200420 Feb 2004

    Conference

    ConferenceWARS04 Conference
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    CityHobart
    Period18/02/0420/02/04

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