Fundamentals of Quantum Communication through Atmospheric Channels

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Werner Vogel
• Subject Area: Optics, Quantum Optics and Physics of Atoms, Molecules and Plasmas
• Term: from 2014 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 260693902

The main purpose of the proposed project prolongation is to accomplish the theoretical understanding of the "Fundamentals of Quantum Communication through Atmospheric Channels", based on the knowledge gained during the first period of the project. This task requires a general theoretical description of atmospheric quantum channels for different turbulence conditions and various communication scenarios, which will include a close cooperation with experimental groups. In this connection we plan to model the intracity atmospheric quantum channels with moderate-to-strong turbulence. Furthermore, we intend to describe the vertical and elevated propagation paths in inhomogeneous strong turbulence. Such paths are crucial for the description of the satellite-mediated quantum communication and allows one to accomplish global quantum communication networks. In order to establish optimized communication protocols we consider the temporal characteristics of the atmospheric channels. This will give us the possibility to post-select the optical signal, which is transmitted during the most favorable time intervals, when the atmosphere has a high transmittance. The exploitation of advantages of atmospheric channels ensures a high-fidelity transfer of quantum properties of light, such as squeezing, entanglement, and others. This shall pave the way to establish global free-space quantum communication networks.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Ukraine
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Andrew Semenov