Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle

Cameron Simmons; Ross Donaldson

doi:10.1117/12.2688757

Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle

Cameron Simmons^*, Ross Donaldson

^*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum states in an optical channel to grow a key with guaranteed security. Satellite QKD (SatQKD) is a proposed topology for QKD which provides unlimited terrestrial range for links and allows mobile access. SatQKD (and generally satellite optical communications) optical ground stations (OGSs) require an optical beacon, a beam from OGS to satellite to assist pointing the satellite’s telescope(s). Beaconing is challenging for SatQKD due to the single-photon sensitivity of the receiver to back-reflected beacon light and the need to point the outgoing beacon ahead of the downlink channel (the point-ahead angle (PAA)). Hence, beacon light is often propagated through separate telescopes, increasing complexity. We describe a spatially separated beacon which reduces back-reflection errors and how its PAA is achieved. The far field beams of this and other beacon architectures are compared. Beaconing in this way can give greater up-time (due to less maintenance) and a lower cost barrier to development. A related system could have similar benefits for laser-guide-star telescopes.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Quantum Technology
Subtitle of host publication	Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV
Editors	Miles J. Padgett, Alessandro Fedrizzi, Michael Holynski, Alberto Politi
Publisher	SPIE
ISBN (Electronic)	9781510668430
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2688757
Publication status	Published - 30 Nov 2023
Event	SPIE Photonex 2023 - Glasgow, United Kingdom Duration: 24 Oct 2023 → 27 Oct 2023

Publication series

Name	Proceedings of SPIE
Volume	12795
ISSN (Print)	0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)	1996-756X

Conference

Conference	SPIE Photonex 2023
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	Glasgow
Period	24/10/23 → 27/10/23

Keywords

Beacon
Point-ahead
Quantum Key Distribution
Satellite

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
Condensed Matter Physics
Computer Science Applications
Applied Mathematics
Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Access to Document

10.1117/12.2688757

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Copyright 2023 Society of Photo‑Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this publication for a fee or for commercial purposes, and modification of the contents of the publication are prohibited. Proceedings Volume 12795, Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV; 1279508 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2688757
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Cite this

Simmons, C., & Donaldson, R. (2023). Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle. In M. J. Padgett, A. Fedrizzi, M. Holynski, & A. Politi (Eds.), Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV Article 1279508 (Proceedings of SPIE; Vol. 12795). SPIE. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2688757

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abstract = "Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum states in an optical channel to grow a key with guaranteed security. Satellite QKD (SatQKD) is a proposed topology for QKD which provides unlimited terrestrial range for links and allows mobile access. SatQKD (and generally satellite optical communications) optical ground stations (OGSs) require an optical beacon, a beam from OGS to satellite to assist pointing the satellite{\textquoteright}s telescope(s). Beaconing is challenging for SatQKD due to the single-photon sensitivity of the receiver to back-reflected beacon light and the need to point the outgoing beacon ahead of the downlink channel (the point-ahead angle (PAA)). Hence, beacon light is often propagated through separate telescopes, increasing complexity. We describe a spatially separated beacon which reduces back-reflection errors and how its PAA is achieved. The far field beams of this and other beacon architectures are compared. Beaconing in this way can give greater up-time (due to less maintenance) and a lower cost barrier to development. A related system could have similar benefits for laser-guide-star telescopes.",

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Simmons, C & Donaldson, R 2023, Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle. in MJ Padgett, A Fedrizzi, M Holynski & A Politi (eds), Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV., 1279508, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 12795, SPIE, SPIE Photonex 2023, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 24/10/23. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2688757

Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle. / Simmons, Cameron; Donaldson, Ross.
Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science IV. ed. / Miles J. Padgett; Alessandro Fedrizzi; Michael Holynski; Alberto Politi. SPIE, 2023. 1279508 (Proceedings of SPIE; Vol. 12795).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

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AB - Quantum key distribution (QKD) uses quantum states in an optical channel to grow a key with guaranteed security. Satellite QKD (SatQKD) is a proposed topology for QKD which provides unlimited terrestrial range for links and allows mobile access. SatQKD (and generally satellite optical communications) optical ground stations (OGSs) require an optical beacon, a beam from OGS to satellite to assist pointing the satellite’s telescope(s). Beaconing is challenging for SatQKD due to the single-photon sensitivity of the receiver to back-reflected beacon light and the need to point the outgoing beacon ahead of the downlink channel (the point-ahead angle (PAA)). Hence, beacon light is often propagated through separate telescopes, increasing complexity. We describe a spatially separated beacon which reduces back-reflection errors and how its PAA is achieved. The far field beams of this and other beacon architectures are compared. Beaconing in this way can give greater up-time (due to less maintenance) and a lower cost barrier to development. A related system could have similar benefits for laser-guide-star telescopes.

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Beamshaping beacon light for satellite quantum key distribution: Spatial separation and point ahead angle

Abstract

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