Gravitational effects on the free space quantum key distribution for satellite communication
Abstract
Einstein’s “spooky action at a distance” is quickly being forged into a global spacetime quantum internet with the recent launch of the SPEQS and QUESS satellites. It extends length and time scales for tests of quantum theory to relativistic distances and velocities. It is of central importance in these environs to understand the intertwining of the theories of the quantum and of gravitation, and these gravitational effects are impactful and not completely understood or verified. Our research concentrates on the gravitational effects of photonic quantum key distribution (QKD). We propose to utilize our joint expertise in analyzing the general relativistic effects on quantum bit error rate (QBER) of standard QKD protocols, and using photons with both (1) intrinsic polarization and (2) the multitude of extrinsic quantum state properties of its modulated wavefront (e.g. orbital angular momentum, linear momentum, etc.). This higher dimensional QKD is critical for decreasing the quantum channel’s fidelity requirement while increasing bandwidth. It will provide an enhanced secure communication channel, and accomplish this practically with minimal added complexity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 09, 2018
- Source ID
- FA23861714070
Entities
People
- Warner A Miller
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Florida Atlantic University
- United States Air Force