Present and future free-space quantum key distribution

Jane E. Nordholt; Richard J. Hughes; George L. Morgan; C. Glen Peterson; Christopher C. Wipf

doi:10.1117/12.464085

26 April 2002 Present and future free-space quantum key distribution

Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, George L. Morgan, C. Glen Peterson, Christopher C. Wipf

Proceedings Volume 4635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIV; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.464085
Event: High-Power Lasers and Applications, 2002, San Jose, California, United States

Abstract

Free-space quantum key distribution (QKD), more popularly know as quantum cryptography, uses single-photon free-space optical communications to distribute the secret keys required for secure communications. At Los Alamos National Laboratory we have demonstrated a fully automated system that is capable of operations at any time of day over a horizontal range of several kilometers. This has proven the technology is capable of operation from a spacecraft to the ground, opening up the possibility of QKD between any group of users anywhere on Earth. This system, the prototyping of a new system for use on a spacecraft, and the techniques required for world-wide quantum key distribution will be described. The operational parameters and performance of a system designed to operate between low earth orbit (LEO) and the ground will also be discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Jane E. Nordholt, Richard J. Hughes, George L. Morgan, C. Glen Peterson, and Christopher C. Wipf "Present and future free-space quantum key distribution", Proc. SPIE 4635, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XIV, (26 April 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.464085

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