Abstract
Feature
Issue on Optical Wireless Communications (OWC)
We investigate
the design and the accommodation of a quantum communication transceiver in an
existing classical optical communication terminal on board a satellite. Operation
from a low earth orbit (LEO) platform (e.g., the International Space Station) would
allow transmission of single photons and pairs of entangled photons to ground
stations and hence permit quantum communication applications such as quantum
cryptography on a global scale. Integration of a source generating entangled photon
pairs and single-photon detection into existing optical terminal designs is
feasible. Even more, major subunits of the classical terminals such as those for
pointing, acquisition, and tracking as well as those providing the required
electronic, thermal, and structural backbone can be adapted so as to meet the
quantum communication terminal needs.
© 2005 Optical Society of America
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