Feasibility of satellite quantum key distribution

C. Bonato*, A. Tomaello, V. Da Deppo, G. Naletto, P. Villoresi

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

204 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper, we present a novel analysis of the feasibility of quantum key distribution between a LEO satellite and a ground station. First of all, we study signal propagation through a turbulent atmosphere for uplinks and downlinks, discussing the contribution of beam spreading and beam wandering. Then we introduce a model for the background noise of the channel during night-time and day-time, calculating the signal-to-noise ratio for different configurations. We also discuss the expected error-rate due to imperfect polarization compensation in the channel. Finally, we calculate the expected key generation rate of a secure key for different configurations (uplink, downlink) and for different protocols (BB84 with and without decoy states, entanglement- based Ekert91 protocol).

Original languageEnglish
Article number045017
JournalNew Journal of Physics
Volume11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 30 Apr 2009

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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