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Modeling Entanglement-Based Quantum Key Distribution for the NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite

One of the most practical, and sought after, applications of quantum mechanics in the field of information science is the use of entanglement distribution to communicate quantum information effectively. Similar to the continued improvements of functional quantum computers over the past decade, advances in demonstrations of entanglement distribution over long distances may enable new applications in aeronautics and space communications. The existing NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite (NQCAS) software models such applications, but limited experimental data exists to verify the model’s theoretical results. There is, however, a large body of experimental data in the relevant literature for entanglement-based quantum key distribution (QKD). This paper details a Monte Carlo based QKD model that uses NQCAS input parameters to generate an estimated QKD link budget for verification of NQCAS. The model generates link budget statistics like key rates, error rates, and S values that can then be compared to the experimental values in the literature. Preliminary comparisons show many similarities between the simulated and experimental data, supporting the model’s validity. A verified NQCAS model will inform experimental work conducted in Glenn Research Center’s (GRC) NASA Quantum Metrology Laboratory (NQML), supporting the United States Quantum Initiative and potential NASA missions.

NASA Quantum Communications Analysis Suite

Nonlinear optical processes for the mid-IR region

The 2 - 5 micron (mid-IR) region is of interest for a number of applications. Efficient up-conversion and down-conversion techniques are being developed to obtain optical sources at mid-IR wavelengths. These techniques are reviewed and recent results using AgGaSe2 are reported. Gain in AgGaSe2 as high as 13 has been observed with a pump wavelength of 1.73 microns and a signal wavelength of 3.39 microns. Optical parametric oscillation in the 2.9 - 6.8 micron region has also been demonstrated.

Schepler, K. L.

X-ray Parametric Down Conversion at an XFEL

Understanding and harnessing X-ray quantum effects could open new frontiers in imaging and quantum optics. In this study, we measured the process of X-ray Parametric Down Conversion, where a single high-energy X-ray photon splits into two lower-energy photons. Using the SACLA X-ray Free Electron Laser in Japan at 9.83 keV, we found clear evidence that pairs of photons were produced along the energy-angle relationship that conserved both energy and momentum, as predicted for down-conversion, and consistent with quantum entanglement of X-ray photons. By matching specific photon pairs for energy and momentum conservation, we observe a signal rate of 1,250 pairs per hour, confirming that correlated photon pairs can be generated and observed in the absence of explicit time correlations. Our results show that with further refinement, the number of entangled photons produced per laser pulse could increase by an order of magnitude. This paves the way for demonstrating quantum-enhanced X-ray imaging, and confirmation of X-ray photon entanglement.

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