Space-to-ground quantum communication using an optical ground station: a feasibility study

Paolo Villoresi, Fabrizio Tamburini, Markus Aspelmeyer, Thomas Jennewein, Rupert Ursin, Claudio Pernechele, G. Bianco, Anton Zeilinger, C. Barbieri

Abstract

We have tested the experimental prerequisites for a Space-to-Ground quantum communication link between satellites and an optical ground station. The feasibility of our ideas is being tested using the facilities of the ASI Matera Laser Ranging Observatory (MLRO) and existing geodetic satellites such as Lageos 1 and 2. Specific emphasis is put on the necessary technological modifications of the existing infrastructure to achieve single photon reception from an orbiting satellite.

Locations

• Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE - View - PDF
• arXiv (Cornell University) - View - PDF
• DataCite API - View