Title: Polarization tracking system for free-space optical communication, including quantum communication

Abstract

Quantum communication transmitters include beacon lasers that transmit a beacon optical signal in a predetermined state of polarization such as one of the states of polarization of a quantum communication basis. Changes in the beacon polarization are detected at a receiver, and a retarder is adjusted so that the states of polarization in a received quantum communication optical signal are matched to basis polarizations. The beacon and QC signals can be at different wavelengths so that the beacon does not interfere with detection and decoding of the QC optical signal.

Inventors:

Nordholt, Jane Elizabeth; Newell, Raymond Thorson; Peterson, Charles Glen; Hughes, Richard John

Issue Date:

2018-01-09

Research Org.:

Los Alamos National Lab. (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1416319

Patent Number(s):

9866379

Application Number:

13/600,918

Assignee:

Los Alamos National Security, LLC (Los Alamos, NM)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04B - TRANSMISSION

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04L - TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

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H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04B - TRANSMISSION

H04B10/70 - Photonic quantum communication

H - ELECTRICITY H04 - ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE H04L - TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION

H04L9/0858 - {Details about key distillation or coding, e.g. reconciliation, error correction, privacy amplification, polarisation coding or phase coding}

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-06NA25396

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2012 Aug 31

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

42 ENGINEERING; 71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS