Polarization-Basis Tracking Scheme in Satellite Quantum Key Distribution. (2nd June 2011)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toyoshima, Morio; Takenaka, Hideki; Shoji, Yozo; Takayama, Yoshihisa; Takeoka, Masahiro; Fujiwara, Mikio; Sasaki, Masahide
• Other Names: Djordjevic Ivan Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of optics. Volume 2011(2011)
• Publication Date: 2011-06-02
• Subjects: Optics -- Periodicals; Optics; Periodicals; 535
• DOI: 10.1155/2011/254154
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9392

Abstract

Abstract : Satellite quantum key distribution is a promising technique that overcomes the limited transmission distance in optical-fiber-based systems. The polarization tracking technique is one of the key techniques in the satellite quantum key distribution. With free-space quantum key distribution between an optical ground station and a satellite, the photon polarization state will be changed according to the satellite movement. To enable polarization based quantum key distribution between mobile terminals, we developed a polarization-basis tracking scheme allowing a common frame of reference to be shared. It is possible to orient two platforms along a common axis by detecting the reference optical signal only on the receiver side with no prior information about the transmitter's orientation. We developed a prototype system for free-space quantum key distribution with the polarization-basis tracking scheme. Polarization tracking performance was 0.092° by conducting quantum key distribution experiments over a 1 km free space between two buildings in a Tokyo suburb.