Simulation of drone-based quantum key distribution systems

Abstract

The increasingly fast-evolving quantum computers pose a threat to the encryption algorithms used today, but this is counterbalanced by a lot of research and progress in quantum communications, where we use algorithms which exploit the phenomena of quantum mechanics, making it unbreakable even by quantum computers. There is a significant amount of research available on quantum communications over optical fibres, which can be integrated into our current networks, and free-space optical quantum communications are also being explored alongside optical fibres. Within the field of free-space optical quantum communication, we have already seen several solutions that have implemented quantum key distribution using fixed-position ground stations, or even satellites orbiting the earth, which enables quantum communication over long distances. Although very promising, these two common and extensively researched areas have drawbacks, which can render these systems almost useless. Such obstacles include physical damage, distance and environmental problems, which make the provision of continuous service more difficult or infeasible. These problems are addressed by drone-based quantum communications, which can be used to replace these systems even in emergencies. In this paper, I analyse different drone-based quantum key distribution systems using a simulator developed by myself. The simulation demonstrates the behaviour and operation of drones in two different setups while performing quantum key distribution between two ground stations.