Microsatellite-based real-time quantum key distribution

• URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2408.10994v1
• Date: Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:42:15 GMT
• Title: Microsatellite-based real-time quantum key distribution
• Authors: Yang Li, Wen-Qi Cai, Ji-Gang Ren, Chao-Ze Wang, Meng Yang, Liang Zhang, Hui-Ying Wu, Liang Chang, Jin-Cai Wu, Biao Jin, Hua-Jian Xue, Xue-Jiao Li, Hui Liu, Guang-Wen Yu, Xue-Ying Tao, Ting Chen, Chong-Fei Liu, Wen-Bin Luo, Jie Zhou, Hai-Lin Yong, Yu-Huai Li, Feng-Zhi Li, Cong Jiang, Hao-Ze Chen, Chao Wu, Xin-Hai Tong, Si-Jiang Xie, Fei Zhou, Wei-Yue Liu, Nai-Le Liu, Li Li, Feihu Xu, Yuan Cao, Juan Yin, Rong Shu, Xiang-Bin Wang, Qiang Zhang, Jian-Yu Wang, Sheng-Kai Liao, Cheng-Zhi Peng, Jian-Wei Pan,
• Abstract summary: A quantum satellite constellation offers a solution to facilitate the quantum network on a global scale. We develop a quantum microsatellite capable of performing space-to-ground quantum key distribution (QKD) using portable ground stations. We achieve the sharing of up to 0.59 million bits of secure keys during a single satellite pass.
• Score: 36.9589130051099
• License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
• Abstract: A quantum network provides an infrastructure connecting quantum devices with revolutionary computing, sensing, and communication capabilities. As the best-known application of a quantum network, quantum key distribution (QKD) shares secure keys guaranteed by the laws of quantum mechanics. A quantum satellite constellation offers a solution to facilitate the quantum network on a global scale. The Micius satellite has verified the feasibility of satellite quantum communications, however, scaling up quantum satellite constellations is challenging, requiring small lightweight satellites, portable ground stations and real-time secure key exchange. Here we tackle these challenges and report the development of a quantum microsatellite capable of performing space-to-ground QKD using portable ground stations. The quantum microsatellite features a payload weighing approximately 23 kg, while the portable ground station weighs about 100 kg. These weights represent reductions by more than an order and two orders of magnitude, respectively, compared to the Micius satellite. Additionally, we multiplex bidirectional satellite-ground optical communication with quantum communication, enabling key distillation and secure communication in real-time. Using the microsatellite and the portable ground stations, we demonstrate satellite-based QKD with multiple ground stations and achieve the sharing of up to 0.59 million bits of secure keys during a single satellite pass. The compact quantum payload can be readily assembled on existing space stations or small satellites, paving the way for a satellite-constellation-based quantum and classical network for widespread real-life applications.

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