NICTにおける宇宙量子暗号通信の研究開発状況

Free-space quantum cryptography is expected to be a first space application employing quantum technology in the near future because of the suitability for the long distance transmission of photons. European Space Agency (ESA) plans to demonstrate a quantum key distribution experiment onboard the ESA's Columbus module in the International Space Station (ISS) called Space-QUEST. The quantum key distribution employing entangled photons will be demonstrated using three optical ground stations in Europe. Therefore, there is a possibility for Japan to join it as one of the optical ground stations for the global quantum key distribution. NICT (National Institute of Information and Communication Technology) has started a feasibility study on the quantum cryptography for space communications. In this paper, the current status of research and development for space quantum cryptography communications in NICT is presented.