Adaptive optics for free-space quantum communication: ongoing studies in Padova

E. Rossi; F. Picciariello; I. Karakosta-Amarantidou; A. Scriminich; G. Vallone; P. Villoresi; F. Vedovato

doi:10.1117/12.3019050

27 August 2024 Adaptive optics for free-space quantum communication: ongoing studies in Padova

E. Rossi, F. Picciariello, I. Karakosta-Amarantidou, A. Scriminich, G. Vallone, P. Villoresi, F. Vedovato

Proceedings Volume 13097, Adaptive Optics Systems IX; 1309731 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3019050
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2024, Yokohama, Japan

Conference Poster

Abstract

Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a cryptography technique that allows two parties to share a secret common key that can be used for a secure exchange of information. To meet the requirements and interests of different final users, the technological development of this technique has rapidly led toward commercial systems for a global quantum infrastructure, namely a quantum network. Communication among parties requires an optical channel, which for short distances is typically provided by optical fiber. However, the limitation of optical losses on longer fiber links, or the unavailability of an exploitable deployed fiber, requires the use of a different QKD medium, i.e. free-space. At the University of Padova we are investigating, both theoretically and experimentally, how Adaptive Optics (AO) can be used to improve the performance of free-space quantum communication, with a particular focus on QKD. Following our theoretical studies on the optimal design for an intermodal free-space/ fiber link, we were able to realize different QKD field trials along a 600m-long free-space link exploiting polarization encoding. Besides the metropolitan area of Padova, we are now working on the development of an extra-urban free-space link, which is more prone to atmospheric turbulence effects. For this link, we equipped a radar tower located on a hill in Teolo with a remotised optical transmitter, and we are now developing the AO system for the receiving telescope, located at the Department of Information Engineering in Padova, with which we plan to realize QKD during day and night time.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

E. Rossi, F. Picciariello, I. Karakosta-Amarantidou, A. Scriminich, G. Vallone, P. Villoresi, and F. Vedovato "Adaptive optics for free-space quantum communication: ongoing studies in Padova", Proc. SPIE 13097, Adaptive Optics Systems IX, 1309731 (27 August 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3019050

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