Spatial mode control and advanced methods for multi-platform quantum communication

Hill, Alexander D.

Permalink

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/102394 Copy

Description

Title

Spatial mode control and advanced methods for multi-platform quantum communication

Author(s)

Hill, Alexander D.

Issue Date

2018-08-30

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Kwiat, Paul G.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Lorenz, Virginia O.

Committee Member(s)

• Stack, John
• Peng, Jen-Chieh

Department of Study

Physics

Discipline

Physics

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

Quantum Communication, Quantum Optics, Adaptive Optics

Abstract

Though state-of-the-art quantum computers are currently limited to only a handful of physical qubits, a quantum computer large enough to perform prime factorization of modern cryptographic keys, quantum simulation, and quantum-enhanced searching algorithms will likely become viable within a few decades. Such computers demand communication networks that preserve the qualities of the quantum states used as inputs and outputs; they also herald the end of the flavors of classical cryptography reliant on the complexity of factoring large numbers. As a result, future networks must include channels which preserve the states of single photons over useful distances (e.g., using quantum repeaters), and must deploy quantum-safe cryptography to ensure the safety of classical information passing over the network. Here we discuss strategies affecting several areas of a future quantum-enabled network: first, we demonstrate a technique for adaptively coupling single photons from point sources into single-mode optical fiber and apply the technique to coupling from quantum dots (a popular candidate for a future quantum repeater); secondly, we discuss various methods for simulating the effects of atmospheric turbulence on quantum cryptographic protocols in the laboratory, critical for understand the challenges facing free-space implementations of quantum communication. Thirdly, we demonstrate a technique that enables quantum cryptographic networks over free space channels to function in the presence of strong atmospheric turbulence using a multi-aperture receiver. Finally, we discuss our efforts to miniaturize a quantum key distribution system and operate a key distribution channel between flying multirotor drones.

Graduation Semester

2018-12

Type of Resource

text

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/102394

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2018 Alexander Hill

Owning Collections