Enabling quantum free-space optical communication with adaptive optics
Michael Copeland, Elisa Jager, Francis Bennet, Marcus Birch, Mikhael Sayat, Oliver Thearle · 2024
We present the activities of the research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics at the Australian National University to implement adaptive optics techniques for quantum communications through a free-space channel. We have developed a portable horizontal quantum key distribution system with adaptive optics and demonstrated improved secret key rates when using AO in a turbulent channel. We also report on development to equip the Mt Stromlo optical communications ground station with an adaptive optics system to enable quantum communication links between the ground and space.