Abstract
Optical beaconing is an important part of the acquisition, pointing and tracking system necessary for free-space quantum key distribution (QKD). However, uplink beacon back-reflections from the receiver architecture can result in noise. Wavelength- and time-division multiplexing has been used, but neither is yet sufficient to make back-reflection negligible. The use of additional telescopes increases complexity and pointing error. Here, we propose the use of a 2-by-2 multicore fiber, to act as an optical uplink beacon source. This spatially separates the QKD channel and optical uplink beacon. Up to 50 dB improvement in noise rejection over a purely spectrally divided system was demonstrated. The route to further improvements through greater fiber core separation is described. Beacon systems designed in this way could provide a combination of reduced complexity and improved noise performance to free-space and satellite QKD and optical communications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 23382-23392 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Optics Express |
Volume | 31 |
Issue number | 14 |
Early online date | 28 Jun 2023 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 3 Jul 2023 |
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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
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