Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
ORAL
Abstract
Presently, Unmanned Arial Vehicles (UAVs) are being leveraged in numerous applications and industries, and their use is expected to increase in the future. In this effort, we present progress towards demonstrating Decoy-State Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) between two drones in flight. A significant challenge includes achieving system performance under compact Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) constraints. We introduce and evaluate critical subsystems including a compact QKD source based on resonant-cavity Light Emitting Diodes (LED) controlled by an FPGA. The Pointing, Acquisition and Tracking (PAT) system provides course and fine alignment using gimbals, and fast steering mirrors, respectively. We discuss both transmit and receive optics including custom designed 3D-printed optical benches. Finally, we introduce single-photon detectors, FPGA-based time-tagger, and a novel statistical post-processing synchronization algorithm.
*This work was supported in part by the Department of Defense (DoD) through the National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship Program, and this material is based on research sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory under agreement FA8650-19-2-9300, through the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education (SOCHE) Fellowship Program.
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Presenters
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Andrew Conrad
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign