Quantum Communication Over Atmospheric Channels: A Framework for Optimizing Wavelength and Filtering

• Main Authors: Lanning, R. Nicholas, Harris, Mark A, Oesch, Denis W, Oliker, Michael D, Gruneisen, Mark T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 20.04.2021
• Subjects: Physics - Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics; Physics - Optics; Physics - Quantum Physics
• DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2104.10276

Despite quantum networking concepts, designs, and hardware becoming increasingly mature, there is no consensus on the optimal wavelength for free-space systems. We present an in-depth analysis of a daytime free-space quantum channel as a function of wavelength and atmospheric spatial coherence (Fried coherence length). We choose decoy-state quantum key distribution bit yield as a performance metric in order to reveal the ideal wavelength choice for an actual qubit-based protocol under realistic atmospheric conditions. Our analysis represents a rigorous framework to analyze requirements for spatial, spectral, and temporal filtering. These results will help guide the development of free-space quantum communication and networking systems. In particular, our results suggest that shorter wavelengths in the optical band should be considered for free-space quantum communication systems. Our results are also interpreted in the context of atmospheric compensation by higher-order adaptive optics.