ADOQ · Adaptive Optics for Quantum Communication

Adaptive Optics for Quantum Communication

The project “ADOQ: Adaptive Optics for Quantum Communications” started in June 2020 for 24 months and was carried out by Dr. Hugo Defienne at University of Glasgow, UK. The overall aim of the project was develop adaptive optics for quantum light to increase communication distance and enhance information capacity of quantum communication systems. Securing exchanges of information on a global scale represents a major challenge in our society today. The emerging field of quantum communication relies on the fundamental laws of physics to offer unconditional security. In this respect, encoding information on spatial properties of photons has recently demonstrated a strong potential for increasing security level and data rates of quantum communications. However, disturbances in the distribution of quantum states in free-space and aberrated channels (i.e. atmospheric turbulence or multimode fibers) are critical challenges that must be overcome to advance beyond laboratory proof-of-principle demonstrations and implement long-distance communications. The goal of this work was to enhance information capacity and enlarge distances of quantum communications by monitoring optical disturbances using adaptive optics. This ambitious goal will be achieved by combining the powerful techniques of the emerging field of quantum light shaping, with the speed of adaptive optics systems and the extreme sensitivity and high temporal resolution of quantum imaging sensors. The overall objectives addressed during the fellowship were: (1) Transmission of spatially-structured quantum states through aberrating media; (2) Improving data rate with high-speed single-photon manipulation and detection techniques; (3) Distributing High-dimensional quantum entanglement though aberrating media.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union