Study of Free-Space Optical Quantum Network: Review and Prospectives

The optical quantum network plays an important role in quantum information technology, enabling important applications including quantum communication, distributed quantum computing, quantum remote sensing, etc. Without the fiber connection limitation, free-space quantum network is free from fiber scattering loss, and enables more flexible quantum network connections. In recent years, rapid progress has been achieved in free-space quantum networks using fixed ground stations, satellites, and mobile platforms. Fixed ground stations are the primary testbeds for free-space experiments, and link distances of up to 144 km have been demonstrated between selected locations. Satellites, free from atmospheric turbulence and absorption, further boost the distance to over a thousand kilometers, enabling intercontinental connections. Besides fixed ground stations and satellites, mobile platforms offer highly flexible connections to end users, as fully presented using drones, after preliminary works using balloons, aircraft, helicopters, etc. Here we review the free-space experiments based on these three platforms, and analyse and compare their characteristics, advantages, and limitations in different scenarios, respectively. In the prospectives, we discuss their unique and complementary roles, and the key challenges and enabling technologies toward the ultimate goal of a practical quantum network, in conjunction with the fiber-based quantum network.