Towards Quantum Communication from Global Navigation Satellite System

Arxiv  April 13, 2018
High-orbit satellites pose a great technological challenge due to the high diffraction losses of the optical channel, and the experimental investigation of quantum channels is still lacking. Researchers in Italy report on the exchange of single photons from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) at a slant distance of 20,000 kilometers, by exploiting the retroreflector array mounted on GLONASS satellites. They observed the predicted temporal spread of the reflected pulses due to the geometrical shape of array. They estimated the requirements needed for an active source on a satellite, aiming towards quantum communication from GNSS with state-of-the-art technology… read more. Open Access TECHNICAL ARTICLE