Modeling a Space-Based Quantum Link

Abstract

This research xC;first reviews previous and current exB;orts in free-space Quantum Key Distribution. Next, the propagation and atmospheric simulation techniques used to model the propagation of an optical pulse from a LEO satellite to ground through turbulence are described. An Adaptive Optics system, including both lower order tracking as well as higher order corrections using a Self-Referencing Interferometer, is modeled to correct for the aberrations caused by the atmosphere. The propagation, atmospheric, and Adaptive Optics models are then combined to produce an optical propagation toolkit. The Simplified General Perturbations toolkit is then used to model an Iridium satellite passing over Boulder, CO. Finally, the results from the Simplified General Perturbations toolkit are integrated with the optical propagation toolkit to show the effects of using an Adaptive Optics system over a realistic satellite pass.

Document Details

• Document Type: Technical Report
• Publication Date: Mar 23, 2018
• Accession Number: AD1055988

Entities

People

• Alexander W. Duchane

Organizations

• Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

• Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

• Adaptive Optics
• Air Force
• Artificial Satellites
• Atmospheric Motion
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Cryptography
• Department Of Defense
• Detection
• Detectors
• Diffraction
• Distortion
• Engineering
• Equations
• Frequency
• Ground Stations
• Low Earth Orbits
• Optics
• Physics
• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum Key Distribution
• Simulations
• Space Based
• United States
• United States Government

Fields of Study

• Physics

Readers

• Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
• Optical Physics and Photonics.
• Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics.

Technology Areas

• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Science - Quantum Key Distribution
• Space
• Space - Orbital Debris
• Space - Space Objects