Connecting quantum cities: simulation of a satellite-based quantum network

New Journal of Physics, vol. 26, pp. 073015

Abstract

Abstract We present and analyze an architecture for a European-scale quantum network using satellite links to connect Quantum Cities, which are metropolitan quantum networks with minimal hardware requirements for the end users. Using NetSquid, a quantum network simulation tool based on discrete events, we assess and benchmark the performance of such a network linking distant locations in Europe in terms of quantum key distribution rates, considering realistic parameters for currently available or near-term technology. Our results highlight the key parameters and the limits of current satellite quantum communication links and can be used to assist the design of future missions. We also discuss the possibility of using high-altitude balloons as an alternative to satellites.

Authors 7

1. Raja Yehia

   Institute of Photonic Sciences · Université Paris Cité · Institut de Recherche en Informatique Fondamentale · LIP6

   Affiliation as printed

   ICFO - Institut de Ciencies Fotoniques [Castelldefels] (Parc Mediterrani de la Tecnologi, E-08860 Castelldefels (Barcelona) - Spain)

   IRIF (UMR_8243) - Institut de Recherche en Informatique Fondamentale (Université de Paris Bâtiment Sophie Germain, Case courrier 7014 8 Place Aurélie Nemours 75205 Paris Cedex 13 - France)

   QI - Information Quantique [LIP6] (France)

2. Matteo Schiavon

   LIP6

   Affiliation as printed

   QI - Information Quantique [LIP6] (France)

3. Valentina Marulanda Acosta

   Université Paris-Saclay · Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales · LIP6 · Département Optique et Techniques Associées

   Affiliation as printed

   DOTA, ONERA, Université Paris Saclay [Châtillon] (92320 Châtillon - France)

   QI - Information Quantique [LIP6] (France)

4. Tim Coopmans Aachen

   Leiden University · QuTech · Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   LIACS - Leiden Institute of Advanced Computer Science [Leiden] ( Niels Bohrweg 1 2333 CA Leiden - Netherlands)

   QuTech - QuTech, Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)

5. Iordanis Kerenidis

   Université Paris Cité · Institut de Recherche en Informatique Fondamentale

   Affiliation as printed

   IRIF (UMR_8243) - Institut de Recherche en Informatique Fondamentale (Université de Paris Bâtiment Sophie Germain, Case courrier 7014 8 Place Aurélie Nemours 75205 Paris Cedex 13 - France)

   QCW - Q.C. Ware (France)

6. David Elkouss

   QuTech · Delft University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   QuTech - QuTech, Delft University of Technology (Netherlands)

7. Eleni Diamanti

   LIP6

   Affiliation as printed

   QI - Information Quantique [LIP6] (France)