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Micius quantum experiments in space

Chao-Yang Lu, Yuan Cao, Cheng-Zhi Peng, and Jian-Wei Pan
Rev. Mod. Phys. 94, 035001 – Published 6 July 2022
Physics logo See Viewpoint: Paving the Way for Satellite Quantum Communications

Abstract

Quantum theory has been successfully validated in numerous laboratory experiments. But would such a theory, which effectively describes the behavior of microscopic physical systems and its predicted phenomena such as quantum entanglement, still be applicable on large length scales? From a practical perspective, how can quantum key distribution (where the security of establishing secret keys between distant parties is ensured by the laws of quantum mechanics) be made technologically useful on a global scale? Owing to photon loss in optical fibers and terrestrial free space, the achievable distance using direct transmission of single photons has been limited to a few hundred kilometers. A promising route to testing quantum physics over long distances and in the relativistic regimes, and thus realizing flexible global-scale quantum networks, is via the use of satellites and space-based technologies, where a significant advantage is that the photon loss and turbulence predominantly occurs in the lower 10km of the atmosphere, and most of the photons’ transmission path in space is virtually in vacuum, with almost zero absorption and decoherence. Progress in free-space quantum experiments, with a focus on the fast-developing Micius satellite–based quantum communications, is reviewed. The perspective of space-ground integrated quantum networks and fundamental quantum optics experiments in space conceivable with satellites are discussed.

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  • Received 27 December 2019

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.94.035001

© 2022 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Quantum Information, Science & Technology

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Paving the Way for Satellite Quantum Communications

Published 9 November 2022

A series of demonstrations by Micius—a low-orbit satellite with quantum capabilities—lays the groundwork for a satellite-based quantum communication network.

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Authors & Affiliations

Chao-Yang Lu, Yuan Cao, Cheng-Zhi Peng, and Jian-Wei Pan*

  • Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale and Department of Modern Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China and CAS Center for Excellence and Synergetic Innovation Center in Quantum Information and Quantum Physics, University of Science and Technology of China, Shanghai, 201315, China

  • *pan@ustc.edu.cn

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Issue

Vol. 94, Iss. 3 — July - September 2022

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