Work

Quantum entanglement distribution via uplink satellite channels

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significant work has been done to develop quantum satellites, which generate entangled pairs in space and distribute them to ground stations separated some distance away. The reverse “uplink” case, where pairs are generated on the ground and swapped on the satellite using an optical Bell measurement, has not been seriously considered due to a prevailing assumption that it is practically infeasible. In this paper, we illustrate the feasibility of performing Discrete Variable photonic Bell measurements in space by conducting a detailed numerical analysis to estimate the channel efficiency and attainable pair fidelity for various satellite-station configurations. Our model accounts for a wide range of physical effects such as atmospheric effects, stray photons, and mode mismatch. Our findings show promise toward the feasibility of photonic Bell measurements in space, which motivates future research toward large-scale satellite-based uplink entanglement distribution.

Source: Physical Review Research

DOI: 10.1103/v3p1-kz4h

Authors: S. Srikara, Hudson Leone, Alexander S. Solntsev, Simon J. Devitt

Institutions: University of Technology Sydney, UNSW Sydney, Aalto University

Language: English

Topic: Quantum Information and Cryptography

Subfield: Artificial Intelligence

Field: Computer Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,625

Funders: University of Technology Sydney, Australian Research Council