Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor

Alfonso Tello Castillo; Ross J. Donaldson

doi:10.1117/12.2601232

Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor

Alfonso Tello Castillo, Ross J. Donaldson

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

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Abstract

Applications of quantum key distribution are becoming more diverse due to the increase in interest in the secure key sharing protocol. Transmission through free-space channels has risen in popularity in recent years, primarily due to global coverage using satellite platforms. However, free-space channels come with challenges that need to be addressed, such as; diffraction loss, background noise, pointing-and-tracking, and atmospheric aberration. Novel design and use of state-of-the-art detector technologies in quantum receivers can help alleviate these difficulties. This paper presents and discusses the implementation of 2D single-photon sensor technology for free-space quantum key distribution. We present an experimental method that utilizes independent single-photon avalanche diode pixel read-out to reduce background noise contributions while simultaneously increasing optical field-of-view. Finally, we show and discuss single-photon level beaconing capabilities for pointing and tracking.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science II
Editors	Miles J. Padgett, Kai Bongs, Alessandro Fedrizzi, Alberto Politi
Publisher	SPIE
ISBN (Electronic)	9781510646063
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2601232
Publication status	Published - 6 Oct 2021
Event	SPIE Photonex 2021 - Glasgow, United Kingdom Duration: 28 Sept 2021 → 30 Sept 2021 https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonex-and-vacuum-technologies

Publication series

Name	Proceedings of SPIE
Volume	11881
ISSN (Print)	0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)	1996-756X

Conference

Conference	SPIE Photonex 2021
Country/Territory	United Kingdom
City	Glasgow
Period	28/09/21 → 30/09/21
Internet address	https://spie.org/conferences-and-exhibitions/photonex-and-vacuum-technologies

Keywords

detector array
free-space quantum key distribution
quantum communications
single-photon detector

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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

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10.1117/12.2601232

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Copyright 2021 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. Alfonso Tello Castillo and Ross Donaldson "Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor", Proc. SPIE 11881, Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science II, 1188109 (6 October 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2601232
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Cite this

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title = "Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor",

abstract = "Applications of quantum key distribution are becoming more diverse due to the increase in interest in the secure key sharing protocol. Transmission through free-space channels has risen in popularity in recent years, primarily due to global coverage using satellite platforms. However, free-space channels come with challenges that need to be addressed, such as; diffraction loss, background noise, pointing-and-tracking, and atmospheric aberration. Novel design and use of state-of-the-art detector technologies in quantum receivers can help alleviate these difficulties. This paper presents and discusses the implementation of 2D single-photon sensor technology for free-space quantum key distribution. We present an experimental method that utilizes independent single-photon avalanche diode pixel read-out to reduce background noise contributions while simultaneously increasing optical field-of-view. Finally, we show and discuss single-photon level beaconing capabilities for pointing and tracking.",

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address = "United States",

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Tello Castillo, A & Donaldson, RJ 2021, Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor. in MJ Padgett, K Bongs, A Fedrizzi & A Politi (eds), Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science II., 1188109, Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 11881, SPIE, SPIE Photonex 2021, Glasgow, United Kingdom, 28/09/21. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2601232

Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor. / Tello Castillo, Alfonso; Donaldson, Ross J.

Quantum Technology: Driving Commercialisation of an Enabling Science II. ed. / Miles J. Padgett; Kai Bongs; Alessandro Fedrizzi; Alberto Politi. SPIE, 2021. 1188109 (Proceedings of SPIE; Vol. 11881).

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

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Towards free-space quantum key distribution with a 2D single-photon sensor

Abstract

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Keywords

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