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This paper proposes a hybrid free-space optical quantum network leveraging hexagonal boron nitride emitters for daylight satellite-based QKD and fiber integration. By targeting the Ca-II Fraunhofer line at 854 nm, the design aims to suppress atmospheric noise while bridging the last mile via standard telecommunication windows. The approach offers a viable pathway toward continuous, high-data-rate quantum internet deployment using realistic single-photon sources.
A proposal for a hybrid free-space optical quantum communication network with hexagonal boron nitride-based single photon sources
arXiv:2609.02229v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is known as a promising solid-state platform to host room temperature quantum emitters that produce high purity single photons. The bright and spectrally adaptable hBN emitters are space-compatible, making hBN well-suited for satellite-based free-space optical (FSO) quantum key distribution (QKD) at wavelengths where the atmospheric background is naturally suppressed. This paper presents a pathway to develop hBN emitters operating near the Ca-II Fraunhofer line (at 854 nm), enabling daylight FSO operation. Moreover, due to its compatibility with the first telecommunication window at 850 nm, it is possible to interface with optical fibers to bridge the `last mile' in a scenario where multiple end-users connect through a single optical ground station to a QKD satellite. We therefore introduce a concept that combines continuous operation of a quantum network, hybrid links to minimize deployment costs, and high data rates due to the use of realistic single photon sources. The realization would be an important milestone for the development of the quantum internet.
Abstract:Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is known as a promising solid-state platform to host room temperature quantum emitters that produce high purity single photons. The bright and spectrally adaptable hBN emitters are space-compatible, making hBN well-suited for satellite-based free-space optical (FSO) quantum key distribution (QKD) at wavelengths where the atmospheric background is naturally suppressed. This paper presents a pathway to develop hBN emitters operating near the Ca-II Fraunhofer line (at 854 nm), enabling daylight FSO operation. Moreover, due to its compatibility with the first telecommunication window at 850 nm, it is possible to interface with optical fibers to bridge the `last mile' in a scenario where multiple end-users connect through a single optical ground station to a QKD satellite. We therefore introduce a concept that combines continuous operation of a quantum network, hybrid links to minimize deployment costs, and high data rates due to the use of realistic single photon sources. The realization would be an important milestone for the development of the quantum internet.
Quantum Physics (quant-ph); Optics (physics.optics)
arXiv:2609.02229 [quant-ph]
(or arXiv:2609.02229v1 [quant-ph] for this version)
https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.02229 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)
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Full text under the publisher's open licence · 260 words
