Optimization is Space Quantum Communications

约克大学正在开发基于连续可变量子密钥分发（CVQKD）的量子通信有效载荷和接收器，用于量子通信枢纽在轨演示器。目前的有效载荷和接收器是为测试和演示CVQKD在空间到地球光链路上的可行性而开发的实验概念。各种优化确实提高了传输距离以及自由空间信道上的密钥分发率。该项目旨在优化CVQKD系统及其组件的性能，用于空间量子通信。本课题的研究目标分为以下几个方面：1)CVQKD系统与空间量子通信技术的文献综述。了解量子敏感检测，实现信号产生和检测的实验设置。这包括了解有效载荷和接收器光学，表征影响信号产生和检测的各种噪声源，并确定可能的优化领域；第2年)从理论上验证优化程序，估计有效载荷和接收器的性能改进，并开发原理验证演示器；3)在实验室和现场对优化后的空间CVQKD系统进行测试。基于理论分析和实验验证，计划在项目期间在同行评议期刊上发表多篇稿件。该项目与英国国家量子技术计划保持一致，并在EPSRC量子技术研究领域的范围内。该项目与RAL空间公司合作，该公司是量子卫星在轨演示器的量子通信中心合作伙伴。该项目的主要研究地点是在约克大学积极的学术监督下的RAL空间。

The University of York is developing a quantum communication payload and a receiver, based on continuous variable quantum key distribution (CVQKD ), for the quantum communications hub in-orbit demonstrator. The current payload and receiver are experimental concepts developed for testing and demonstrating the feasibility of CVQKD over space-to-earth optical link. Various optimization indeed improves the transmission distances as well as the key distribution rates over the free-space channel. This project aims to optimise the performance of the CVQKD system and its components for space quantum communication. The objectives of the research are categorized as follows: Year 1) literature review on CVQKD system and space quantum communication technology. Understand quantum sensitive detection, realizing experimental setups for signal generation and detection. This includes understanding the payload and receiver optics, characterise various sources of noise that affect the signal generation and detection, and identifying possible areas of optimization; Year 2) theoretically verify the optimization procedures and estimate the performance improvements on payload and receiver and develop a proof of principle demonstrator; year 3) test the optimized space CVQKD system in lab and in field. Multiple manuscripts are aiming to be published in peer-reviewed journals over the project duration, based on theoretical analysis and experimental verification. The project is aligned with UK National Quantum Technology initiatives and within the scope of EPSRC research areas of quantum technology. This project is in collaboration with RAL Space, which is a quantum communications hub partner for the quantum satellite in-orbit demonstrator. The primary research location of the project is at RAL Space with active academic supervision from York.