Personal profile
Biography
Research interests
- Quantum optical receivers for satellite QKD,
- Practical implementation (1st gen service),
- High-bandwidth (next-gen service),
- Photonic devices for QKD,
- Addressing implementation practical challenges.
Key Research Words/Phrases
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
Quantum Communications (QuComms)
Satellite Quantum
Quantum Technologies
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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In-lab demonstration of coherent one-way protocol over free space with turbulence simulation
Tello Castillo, A., Eso, E. & Donaldson, R. J., 28 Mar 2022, In: Optics Express. 30, 7, p. 11671-11683 13 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile20 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)142 Downloads (Pure) -
Towards combined quantum bit detection and spatial tracking using an arrayed single-photon sensor
Donaldson, R., Kundys, D., Maccarone, A., Henderson, R., Buller, G. S. & Fedrizzi, A., 15 Mar 2021, In: Optics Express. 29, 6, p. 8181-8198 18 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile13 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)152 Downloads (Pure) -
Integration of a Polarization based QKD Receiver Module to an Optical Ground Station
Singh, R., Roger, T., Perumangatt, C., Woodward, R. I., Crampton, O., Simmons, C., Green, A., Donaldson, R., Tessinari, R. S., Stevenson, R. M. & Shields, A. J., 24 Mar 2026, 2025 IEEE International Conference on Space Optical Systems and Applications (ICSOS). IEEE, 11443141Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
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Mode-resolved picosecond single-photon polarimetry maps modal dynamics in multimode fibers
Chandrasekharan, H. K. & Donaldson, R., 7 May 2026, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Nature Communications.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
Enhancements to quantum communication performance utilizing a prototype photonic lantern and multiplexed single-photon detection
Chandrasekharan, H. K., Barrow, P., MacLachlan, D., Thomson, R. R. & Donaldson, R., 19 Mar 2025, Quantum Computing, Communication, and Simulation V. Hemmer, P. R. & Migdall, A. L. (eds.). SPIE, 1339105. (Proceedings of SPIE; vol. 13391).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Open AccessFile45 Downloads (Pure)
Datasets
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Strategies for Implementing a Single-detector Polarization-encoded Quantum Key Distribution Receiver
Donaldson, R. J. (Creator) & Simmons, C. (Creator), Heriot-Watt University, 30 Jun 2024
DOI: 10.17861/fc63b29d-d9c9-40d5-8604-67e7f3e4b17f
Dataset
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Multicore fibre beacon system for reducing backreflection in satellite quantum key distribution (data)
Simmons, C. (Creator) & Donaldson, R. J. (Supervisor), Heriot-Watt University, 31 Jul 2023
DOI: 10.17861/0f9251c8-4ea6-4dd9-81ec-c084990b6c38
Dataset
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Time-division technique for quantum optical receivers utilizing single-photon detector array technology and spatial-multiplexing
Tello Castillo, A. (Creator) & Donaldson, R. J. (Supervisor), Heriot-Watt University, Jun 2022
DOI: 10.17861/b17e30f3-a063-433d-802f-16fb5496af4b
Dataset
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Utilising Broadband Wavelength-Division Multiplexing Capabilities of Hollow-Core Fiber for Quantum Communications
Donaldson, R. J. (Supervisor), Nasti, U. (Creator), Davidson, I. A. (Contributor), Poletti, F. (Supervisor) & Sakr, H. (Contributor), Heriot-Watt University, 31 Dec 2022
DOI: 10.17861/d42d3df1-661d-41bf-8bf6-c04d61d021a7
Dataset
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Feasibility of quantum key distribution from high altitude platforms
Donaldson, R. J. (Creator), Chi, Y. (Creator) & Kumar, R. (Creator), Heriot-Watt University, 2021
Dataset
Prizes
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Practical Optical Ground Station Receivers for Satellite-Based Quantum Communications
Donaldson, R. J. (Recipient), 2018
Prize: Fellowship awarded competitively
Activities
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Multimode Fiber Influence on Time Response of Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes Used in QKD
Lee, A. (Speaker), Donaldson, R. J. (Contributor), Tello, A. (Contributor) & Whitehill, C. (Contributor)
21 Jun 2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Multimode fiber influence on single-photon avalanche diode timing jitter
Lee, A. (Speaker), Tello, A. (Contributor), Whitehill, C. (Contributor) & Donaldson, R. J. (Contributor)
27 Apr 2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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UK National Quantum Technology Showcase
Donaldson, R. J. (Speaker)
2023Activity: Participating in or organising an event › Participation in workshop, seminar, course
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Modelling Satellite to Ground Quantum Communications
Barrow, P. (Speaker) & Donaldson, R. J. (Contributor)
2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
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Investigation on the electromagnetic radiated emissions of a single-photon avalanche diode
Pantoja, J. (Speaker), Donaldson, R. J. (Contributor) & Anagnostou, D. (Contributor)
2023Activity: Talk or presentation › Oral presentation
Press/Media
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Start of HOGS site work
28/08/24
15 items of Media coverage, 2 Media contributions
Press/Media: Research
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State-of-the-art telescope paves way for space tech cluster at Heriot-Watt
24/01/24
5 items of Media coverage
Press/Media: Research
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Cutting the ‘key’ to an unhackable 5G network
27/05/21 → 28/05/21
7 items of Media coverage, 1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Research
Equipment
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Deployed dark fibre and lab-based simulator
Donaldson, R. J. (Manager)
School of Engineering & Physical SciencesFacility/equipment: Facility
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Heriot-Watt University Optical Ground Station
Donaldson, R. J. (Manager) & Simmons, C. (Operator)
School of Engineering & Physical SciencesFacility/equipment: Facility
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High bandwidth AWG and Osc
Donaldson, R. J. (Manager)
School of Engineering & Physical SciencesFacility/equipment: Equipment