Satellite-based link analysis is valuable for efficient and secure quantum communication, despite seasonal limits and restrictions on transmission times. A semi-empirical quantum key distribution model for satellite-based systems was proposed that simplifies simulations of communication links. Unlike other theoretical models, our approach was based on the experimentally-determined atmospheric extinction coefficient typical for mid-latitude ground stations. The parameter was measured for both clear and foggy conditions, and it was validated using published experimental data from the Micius satellite. Using this model, we simulated secure QKD between the Micius satellite and ground stations with 300 mm and 600 mm aperture telescopes.
Satellite quantum communication is the technology that allows to deploy large-scale quantum networks with a communication range of thousands kilometres We report the ground receiver for downlink quantum key distribution (QKD) with satellite. An optical part of this system including an active tracking loop is mounted on a 600-mm Ritchey-Chretien telescope and permits to distinguish polarization states to perform QKD between ground and satellite. Moreover, a procedure of calibration the receiver using stars with known brightness is presented. Measurements of the photon count rate of stars in the spectral range of 845 nm - 855 nm are performed and compared with an estimate.
Artificial satellites employed as trusted nodes can increase the distance between two parties to establish quantum key distribution (QKD), unlike fiber based communication lines that are limited up to a few hundred kilometers. This report summarises our progress on a ground receiver for satellite QKD and its tracking receiving system (TRS). The authors demonstrate the operation of the TRS in practice and achieve standard tracking error of 1.4/Ltrad observing four satellites over 80% of the time they were available. The optical signal, which was the sunlight reflected of low Earth orbit satellites, was attenuated to a single photon level and was detected effectively using avalanche single photon detectors. The authors have thus proved that the developed system is capable of stable reception of quantum signal from a satellite.
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