Reference-Frame-Independent Quantum Key Distribution in Uplink and Downlink Free-Space Channel
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Reference-Frame-Independent Quantum Key Distribution in Uplink and Downlink Free-Space Channel Yang Xue1,2 · Lei Shi1 · Jiahua Wei1 · Longqiang Yu1 · Huicun Yu1 · Jie Tang1 · Zhaolei Zhang3 Received: 28 April 2020 / Accepted: 27 August 2020 / © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract The reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution (RFI-QKD) allows the authorized users to share secrete keys without active alignment of the reference frames, which is beneficial for the implementation over free-space channel. However, the performance of free-space RFI-QKD could notably degrade due to the influence of atmospheric conditions. In this paper, we investigate the transmission attenuation of free-space channel in uplink and downlink scenario, respectively. Furthermore, we also simulate the relationships between the diffraction-caused attenuation and the apertures of sending and receiving optics. Then, the key generation rate of RFI-QKD and BB84 protocol are compared in different links with reference frame deviations. Simulation results show that the transmission attenuation due to diffraction can be reduced by choosing appropriate optical apertures, and better performance of free-space RFI-QKD can be achieved in downlink configuration. Keywords Quantum key distribution · Reference-frame-independent · Free-space channel
1 Introduction Quantum key distribution (QKD) [1–6] provides information-theoretic security based on the laws of quantum physics. It can generate and exchange secret keys between distant users even in the presence of an eavesdropper Eve. Since the heuristic BB84 protocol has been proposed, significant advances have been achieved either in developing new QKD protocols [7–13] or improving practical system performance [14–17]. So far, a lot of efforts have Lei Shi
[email protected] 1
Information and Navigation College, Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710077, People’s Republic of China
2
CAS Laboratory of Quantum Information, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, People’s Republic of China
3
Air Traffic Control and Navigation College, Air Force Engineering University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, 710038, People’s Republic of China
International Journal of Theoretical Physics
been devoted to establish global-scale quantum communication networks [18–23]. On one hand, the terrestrial QKD based on optical fiber is now stretching up to an amazing distance of 509 km [24]. On the other hand, free-space QKD is attracting intensive attentions and some pioneering researches have already been dedicated in hostile environment and over longer distances. For instance, Yin et al. demonstrated the decoy-state QKD over 1200 km with kilohertz key rate between the quantum satellite Micius and the Xinglong ground station [25]. What’s more, even under the conditions of huge attenuation and various types of impacts, the feasibility of free-space QKD has been further demonstrated with underwater tubes [26, 27] and airborne platforms including ai
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