Experimental characterization of entanglement characteristics in free-space quantum communication links

Vladimir Nikulin; Vijit Bedi; Kathy-Anne Soderberg; Paul Alsing; Laura A. Wessing; Peter A. Ricci; John W. Heinig; William F. Lipe

doi:10.1117/12.2682030

3 October 2023 Experimental characterization of entanglement characteristics in free-space quantum communication links

Vladimir Nikulin, Vijit Bedi, Kathy-Anne Soderberg, Paul Alsing, Laura A. Wessing, Peter A. Ricci, John W. Heinig, William F. Lipe

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 12692, Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging XXI; 126920D (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2682030
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2023, San Diego, California, United States

Conference Poster

Abstract

The primary focus of this paper is high-performance quantum communication systems that facilitate secure data transfer via free-space links. We consider an approach that uses correlated photon pairs generated in such a way that their polarizations are entangled and can be used to support quantum encryption protocols. However, when deployed in free space, these links can be affected by channel distortion, primarily via the spatial and temporal fields of the refractive index along the propagation path. In classical links, these fields alter the optical wave front characteristics; however, this mechanism does not directly apply to the quantum states utilized in single-photon or entangled photon protocols. Transmitting signals with quantum-based encryption creates a realm of problems, not related to wave front distortions, but rather to integrity of the quantum states after the signals propagate over free-space channels. We study these phenomena by implementing a laboratory testbed capable of creating a turbulent environment using atmospheric chambers developed by the AFRL. It is then used for experimental investigation of quantum entanglement after photon pairs are propagated both collinearly and via separate paths.

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Vladimir Nikulin, Vijit Bedi, Kathy-Anne Soderberg, Paul Alsing, Laura A. Wessing, Peter A. Ricci, John W. Heinig, and William F. Lipe "Experimental characterization of entanglement characteristics in free-space quantum communication links", Proc. SPIE 12692, Quantum Communications and Quantum Imaging XXI, 126920D (3 October 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2682030

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