Satellite-based Free-Space Optical Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Systems for Secured Wireless Networks

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K11870
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 60060:Information network-related
• Research Institution: The University of Aizu
• Principal Investigator: Pham T. Anh 会津大学, コンピュータ理工学部, 教授 (80404896)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: Quantum key distribution / Free-space optics / Satellite communications / Security attack / BBM92 Protocol

Outline of Final Research Achievements

First, we presented a new design for satellite CV-QKD by applying non-coherent detection for the entanglement-based scheme. We also worked on issues related to the design and applications of satellite-based FSO systems. Second, we proposed a novel entanglement-based FSO/QKD system that uses LEO and GEO satellites. We then investigated the feasibility of a case study for the Japan QKD network using the existing GEO and LEO satellite constellations. Thirdly, we proposed a novel design for a global-scale FSO/QKD network based on a GEO satellite as the secret key source and LEO satellites as relay nodes for multiple wireless users. Finally, we proposed a novel modulation signaling-based QKD protocol that employs eight phases of the optical carrier, which exhibits increased spectral efficiency compared to existing protocols.

Free Research Field

Information networks

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は5G以降の無線ネットワークパラダイムにおいて自動運転車両など遠隔通信においての安全な無線通信をサポートする衛星ベースのFSO通信の設計と開発を提案する。計算技術の急速な進歩により数学的複雑さに基づく従来の鍵配送プロトコルはすぐに危険にさらされる可能性がある。量子物理学の法則を利用する量子鍵配送は固定ネットワークで実証済みで実装を備えた有望な方法とされている。私たちはFSOとHAPSの光無線技術に基づく無線ネットワーク用の量子鍵配送システムの提案を目指している。私たちは信頼性が高く効率的な鍵配送方法を実現するために基礎理論とシステム、プロトコル設計の問題の両方に重点を置いている。