Site characterization for QKD ground stations: a requirements perspective and data of the Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen

Florian Moll; Alessia Scriminich; Christoph Gohle; Stefanie Häusler; Bettina Heim; Davide Orsucci; Johannes Prell; Javier Garcia Olmedo; Douglas Laidlaw

doi:10.1117/12.3033992

18 November 2024 Site characterization for QKD ground stations: a requirements perspective and data of the Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen

Florian Moll, Alessia Scriminich, Christoph Gohle, Stefanie Häusler, Bettina Heim, Davide Orsucci, Johannes Prell, Javier Garcia Olmedo, Douglas Laidlaw

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13194, Environmental Effects on Light Propagation and Adaptive Systems VII; 131940P (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3033992
Event: Remote Sensing, 2024, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Abstract

Quantum key distribution (QKD) enables secure communication even in presence of quantum computers. Satellite based systems enable worldwide key distribution and connection of terrestrial quantum networks. In future, QKD satellite constellations can be operated to service ground users that are connected using an optical ground station. These QKD ground stations are assumed to be deployed in two scenarios. One is the option as end-user ground station, in which the ground user is directly connected to the satellite via the ground station. The other option is the use as a provider ground station, in which the ground user is connected via an intermediary fiber line. The performance of the satellite to ground QKD link depends on, amongst other, the environmental and infrastructural impacts of the site where it is located. Unlike in astronomical sites, the QKD Optical Ground Station (OGS) are not positioned in selected optimal environment, especially considering atmospheric turbulence and extinction. The QKD OGS mainly has to cope with the given environment instead. Knowledge of the site’s meteorological and infrastructural environment is important to assess performance of a QKD OGS when deployed. This paper discusses the most relevant aspects of a QKD OGS site characterization. These are atmospheric turbulence, atmospheric extinction, and background light. As a concrete example, the DLR Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen nearby Munich is used. Existing data is summarized, reviewed and needs for further data acquisition defined.

Conference Presentation

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

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Florian Moll, Alessia Scriminich, Christoph Gohle, Stefanie Häusler, Bettina Heim, Davide Orsucci, Johannes Prell, Javier Garcia Olmedo, and Douglas Laidlaw "Site characterization for QKD ground stations: a requirements perspective and data of the Optical Ground Station Oberpfaffenhofen", Proc. SPIE 13194, Environmental Effects on Light Propagation and Adaptive Systems VII, 131940P (18 November 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3033992

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