Detecting Orbital Angular Momentum of Light in Satellite-to-Ground Quantum Communications

Satellite-based quantum communications enable a bright future for global-scale information security. However, the spin angular momentum of light, currently used in many mainstream quantum communication systems, only allows for quantum encoding in a two-dimensional Hilbert space. The orbital angular momentum (OAM) of light, on the other hand, enables quantum encoding in higher-dimensional Hilbert spaces, opening up new opportunities for high-capacity quantum communications. Due to its turbulence-induced decoherence effects, however, the atmospheric channel may limit the practical usage of OAM. In order to determine whether OAM is useful for satellite-based quantum communications, we numerically investigate the detection likelihoods for OAM states that traverse satellite-to-ground channels. We show that the use of OAM through such channels is in fact feasible. We use our new results to then investigate design specifications that could improve OAM detection particularly the use of advanced adaptive optics techniques. Finally, we discuss how our work provides new insights into future implementations of space-based OAM systems within the context of quantum communications.