Satellite-Relayed Global Quantum Communication without Quantum Memory
Sumit Goswami, Sayandip Dhara · Physical Review Applied · 2023
Long-distance quantum communication can usher in hack-proof communication, enable precision quantum sensing technologies, and ultimately yield a quantum Internet. Existing protocols for global-scale quantum communication demand high-performance quantum memories, which have limited communication distance. This study proposes a chain of satellites in low Earth orbit to directly transmit photonic qubits through space, using the satellites like optical lenses to counter diffraction loss. Simulations and analysis of different quantum communication protocols using this relay system show the feasibility of building a global quantum network of only satellites, without requiring quantum memories.