Experimental testbed for free-space quantum communication links with polarization entanglement

Vladimir Nikulin; Vijit Bedi; Peter A. Ricci; John W. Heinig; Erin C. Sheridan; Christine A. Mathers; Kathy-Anne Soderberg; Robert DiMeo; William F. Lipe; John F. Perretta

doi:10.1117/12.3027211

4 October 2024 Experimental testbed for free-space quantum communication links with polarization entanglement

Vladimir Nikulin, Vijit Bedi, Peter A. Ricci, John W. Heinig, Erin C. Sheridan, Christine A. Mathers, Kathy-Anne Soderberg, Robert DiMeo, William F. Lipe, John F. Perretta

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13148, Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging XXII; 1314805 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3027211
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2024, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In this paper, we focus on quantum communication systems that facilitate either secure data transfer or quantum key distribution via free-space links. Unlike classical channels where the effects of turbulent media on the optical wave front is well known and can be predicted with existing theoretical models, the mechanism described in the latter cannot be directly applied to quantum states. In our approach that relies on emitting correlated photon pairs with polarization entanglement, another realm of problems is encountered, which is not related to wave front distortions, but rather to integrity of the quantum states. Proper response of the detection system to non-classical features of light requires that photon pairs with proper polarization arrive to the receiver and their correlation characteristics are still preserved. Therefore, it is necessary to research a wide array of operating conditions corresponding to different levels of turbulence and finding proper mechanisms to replicate those on our laboratory testbed. In this paper, we present a system that integrates an atmospheric chamber developed by the AFRL, a link emulating quantum communication and analysis instrumentation. A system is developed that allows scaling the experiments over different ranges and quantitative analysis of entanglement characteristics of the received signals. Integrity of the quantum states is evaluated under practical operating conditions.

Conference Presentation

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

Citation Download Citation

Vladimir Nikulin, Vijit Bedi, Peter A. Ricci, John W. Heinig, Erin C. Sheridan, Christine A. Mathers, Kathy-Anne Soderberg, Robert DiMeo, William F. Lipe, and John F. Perretta "Experimental testbed for free-space quantum communication links with polarization entanglement", Proc. SPIE 13148, Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging XXII, 1314805 (4 October 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3027211

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