Satellite-to-Earth Quantum Key Distribution via Orbital Angular Momentum

TL;DR

This paper investigates the feasibility of satellite-to-Earth quantum key distribution using orbital angular momentum, demonstrating conditions under which it can be viable despite atmospheric turbulence.

Contribution

It provides the first quantitative analysis of OAM-QKD performance from satellites, highlighting the role of classical probes and system configurations for secure communication.

Findings

OAM-QKD is feasible at sea level with classical light probes.

High-altitude stations require large apertures for OAM-QKD.

Atmospheric turbulence impacts OAM-QKD, but can be mitigated with channel information.

Abstract

In this work, we explore the feasibility of performing satellite-to-Earth quantum key distribution (QKD) using the orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light. Due to the fragility of OAM states the conventional wisdom is that turbulence would render OAM-QKD non-viable in a satellite-to-Earth channel. However, based on detailed phase screen simulations of the anticipated atmospheric turbulence we find that OAM-QKD is viable in some system configurations, especially if quantum channel information is utilized in the processing of post-selected states. More specifically, using classically entangled light as a probe of the quantum channel, and reasonably-sized transmitter-receiver apertures, we find that non-zero QKD rates are achievable on sea-level ground stations. Without using classical light probes, OAM-QKD is relegated to high-altitude ground stations with large receiver apertures. Our work represents the first quantitative assessment of the performance of OAM-QKD from satellites, showing under what circumstances the much-touted higher dimensionality of OAM can be utilized in the context of secure communications.