Satellite-based communication for phase-matching measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution

TL;DR

This paper evaluates the feasibility of satellite-based phase-matching measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution, demonstrating its potential for reliable quantum communication despite noisy and lossy conditions.

Contribution

It provides a detailed simulation of the key rate performance of PM-MDI QKD in satellite scenarios, including loss effects and dynamic configurations, highlighting its advantages over traditional methods.

Findings

Key rate decays slowly under loss-only conditions.

Higher key rates lead to more concentrated probability distributions.

The protocol shows promise for reliable satellite quantum communication.

Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of the phase-matching measurement-device-independent quantum key distribution (PM-MDI QKD) protocol proposed by Lin and L\"utkenhaus for satellite-based quantum communication. The protocol's key rate, known to exceed the repeaterless bound, is evaluated in the asymptotic limit under noisy conditions typical of satellite communications, including loss-only scenarios. The setup involves two ground-based parties connected via fiber (lossonly or noisy) and a space-based third party linked to one of these two ground-based parties through free-space communication. Simulations using the elliptic-beam approximation model the average key rate (AKR) and its probability distribution (PDR) across varying zenith angles and fiber distances. Down-link free-space communication is assessed under day and night conditions, with intensity optimization for each graphical point. Dynamic configurations of satellite and ground stations are also considered. Results indicate that AKR decays more slowly under loss-only conditions, while PDR analysis shows higher key rates produce more concentrated distributions. These findings demonstrate the potential of PM-MDI QKD protocols for achieving reliable key rates in satellitebased quantum communication.