Quantum Key Distribution over Space-Space Laser Communication Links
László Bacsárdi, Máté Galambos, Sándor Imre, Andras Kiss · 2012
The quantum based satellite communication offers a secure way for key distribution which is essential for symmetric keys based transmi ssion. For modeling this type of communication, we created a mathematical model which is based on the behavior of singlephoton sources and detectors and on the losses orig inated from beam spreading and pointing error. Based on this model, we developed a simulator software to study the quantum communication over space-space links, e.g., between two satellites. We analyzed the performance of three quantum key distribution protocols—BB84, B92, S09—on different space-space links. Two of the main parameters during the analysis were the size of the necessary aperture for a successful space-space communication and the length of the communication channel. Our results show that the three mentioned QKD protocols are feasible when using satellite-satellite links.