Quantum Wide Area Networks via Multi-Antenna Satellite Nodes

Start date: 15 November 2023
End date: 14 November 2023
Value: $100,000
Partners and collaborators: Quantum Group at Cisco Research
Primary investigator: Professor Mohsen Razavi
External co-investigators: Alireza Shabani

This project investigates the use of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques in satellite-based quantum key distribution (QKD) systems. QKD offers a future-proof solution, i.e., a solution not breakable by advances in the technology, to some of the basic tasks required for data security and privacy. Its widescale deployment would, however, require further progress in its networking aspects, reach, and coverage. An important direction to explore and implement for making QKD services globally accessible is to use satellite nodes in space. QKD would, however, best operate in the optical regime, where satellite-to-ground links may suffer additional loss and distortions due to atmospheric effects. To resolve this issue, in this project, we borrow some of the MIMO techniques, used to combat harsh channel conditions in the microwave domain, and apply them to the case of satellite-based QKD. We will then devise a high-rate reliable quantum wide area network via such satellite nodes.

Impact

Led to EP/Y037421/1 and EP/X040518/1

Publications and outputs

Please click here for publications