Clearing the path for turbulence-free quantum communication

University of Ottawa researchers have developed an all-optical method to counteract atmospheric turbulence in free-space quantum key distribution (QKD), addressing a major barrier to secure quantum communication through air. The breakthrough uses stimulated parametric down-conversion to mitigate distortion caused by air turbulence, which disrupts quantum signals and introduces errors during transmission. Published in Optica, the study demonstrates a practical solution for maintaining quantum state integrity in real-world conditions, critical for satellite-based and ground-to-satellite QKD networks. This approach eliminates the need for complex post-processing or adaptive optics, simplifying implementation while preserving quantum information fidelity over long distances. The innovation could accelerate deployment of ultra-secure quantum networks, enabling turbulence-free communication for military, financial, and government applications.