Quantum key Distribution with a Hand-Held Sender Unit

Abstract

Living the revolution: Quantum key distribution over free-space channels offers a multitude of different application scenarios---provided it can be combined with conventional communication systems. This study presents a miniaturized sender module with all necessary optics fitting in the palm of a hand, and enabling quantum key exchange with a tracking receiver. Such rugged sender optics can facilitate many other use cases, e.g. by combining it with a free-space optical system in an urban area, or by using it aboard a microsatellite for global key exchange.