Space-borne quantum memories for global quantum communication

Understand

Global scale quantum communication links will form the backbone of the quantum internet.

• However, exponential loss in optical fibres precludes any realistic application beyond few hundred kilometres.
• Quantum repeaters and space-based systems offer to overcome this limitation.
• Here, we analyse the use of quantum memory (QM)-equipped satellites for quantum communication focussing on global range repeaters and Measurement-Device-Independent (MDI) QKD.