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M. Badas Aldecocea
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Intersatellite optical communication links are strongly affected by transmitter pointing jitter, which stochastically modulates the received optical power and degrades communication performance. While adjusting the divergence of a conventional Gaussian beams can partially mitigate this effect, the optimum far-field irradiance distribution for maximizing link performance has not been formally derived. In this work, we introduce a variational formalism to determine the optimum far-field irradiance for an intersatellite link affected by pointing jitter. The flat-top beam is found to be the optimum beam shape for minimizing outage probability. In particular, it requires of the power needed by a conventional Gaussian beam to achieve the same outage probability. However, the flat-top profile is discontinuous and physically unrealizable. To address this, we analyze a continuous family of super-Gaussian beam shapes that approximate the flat-top as the order increases. In addition, several coherent and incoherent beam shaping techniques are evaluated to assess their ability to reproduce the optimum irradiance distribution. The results show that these techniques can reduce the required transmitted power by up to
compared with conventional Gaussian beams. ...
compared with conventional Gaussian beams. ...
Intersatellite optical communication links are strongly affected by transmitter pointing jitter, which stochastically modulates the received optical power and degrades communication performance. While adjusting the divergence of a conventional Gaussian beams can partially mitigate this effect, the optimum far-field irradiance distribution for maximizing link performance has not been formally derived. In this work, we introduce a variational formalism to determine the optimum far-field irradiance for an intersatellite link affected by pointing jitter. The flat-top beam is found to be the optimum beam shape for minimizing outage probability. In particular, it requires of the power needed by a conventional Gaussian beam to achieve the same outage probability. However, the flat-top profile is discontinuous and physically unrealizable. To address this, we analyze a continuous family of super-Gaussian beam shapes that approximate the flat-top as the order increases. In addition, several coherent and incoherent beam shaping techniques are evaluated to assess their ability to reproduce the optimum irradiance distribution. The results show that these techniques can reduce the required transmitted power by up to
compared with conventional Gaussian beams.
compared with conventional Gaussian beams.
Journal article
(2026)
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V. Domínguez Tubío, M. Badás Aldecocea, J. Van Dam, A. S. Sørensen, J. Borregaard
Satellite-based quantum repeaters are a promising means of reaching global distances in quantum networking due to the polynomial decrease of optical transmission with distance in free space, in contrast to the exponential decrease in optical fibers. We propose a satellite-based quantum repeater architecture with trapped individual atomic qubits, which can serve both as quantum memories and true single-photon sources. This hardware allows for nearly deterministic Bell measurements and exhibits long coherence times, without the need for costly cryogenic technology in space. We develop a detailed analytical model of the repeater, which includes the main imperfections of the quantum hardware and the optical link, assuming high-altitude ground stations, and consequently working in a regime of weak atmospheric turbulence. Our model allows us to estimate that high-rate and high-fidelity entanglement distribution can be achieved over intercontinental distances. In particular, we find that high-fidelity entanglement distribution over thousands of kilometres at a rate of 100 Hz can be achieved with orders of magnitude fewer memory modes than conventional architectures based on optical Bell state measurements.
...
Satellite-based quantum repeaters are a promising means of reaching global distances in quantum networking due to the polynomial decrease of optical transmission with distance in free space, in contrast to the exponential decrease in optical fibers. We propose a satellite-based quantum repeater architecture with trapped individual atomic qubits, which can serve both as quantum memories and true single-photon sources. This hardware allows for nearly deterministic Bell measurements and exhibits long coherence times, without the need for costly cryogenic technology in space. We develop a detailed analytical model of the repeater, which includes the main imperfections of the quantum hardware and the optical link, assuming high-altitude ground stations, and consequently working in a regime of weak atmospheric turbulence. Our model allows us to estimate that high-rate and high-fidelity entanglement distribution can be achieved over intercontinental distances. In particular, we find that high-fidelity entanglement distribution over thousands of kilometres at a rate of 100 Hz can be achieved with orders of magnitude fewer memory modes than conventional architectures based on optical Bell state measurements.
Journal article
(2026)
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V. Dominguez Tubio, M. Badas Aldecocea, D.L. Bakker, G. Castro do Amaral, Diego López, J. Borregaard
A promising use of quantum networking is quantum key distribution (QKD), which can provide information-theoretic security unattainable by classical means. While optical fiber-based QKD networks suffer from exponential loss, satellite-assisted quantum communication offers a scalable solution for long-distance secure key exchange. In this work, we propose and evaluate a satellite-based QKD setup covering the Iberian Peninsula, linking Madrid with Barcelona, Bilbao, and Lisbon. Our proposed setup uses a Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) state-of-the-art satellite equipped with a spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) source to distribute entangled photon pairs to ground stations. Considering vibrations in the satellite, we optimize the beam waist to enhance the transmission probability and improve the secret key rate (SKR). Our results show that key rates sufficient for real-world applications, such as secure communication between hospitals, using hybrid classical-quantum protocols, are feasible with existing protocols. Our results highlight the viability of near-term satellite-based QKD networks for national-scale secure communications.
...
A promising use of quantum networking is quantum key distribution (QKD), which can provide information-theoretic security unattainable by classical means. While optical fiber-based QKD networks suffer from exponential loss, satellite-assisted quantum communication offers a scalable solution for long-distance secure key exchange. In this work, we propose and evaluate a satellite-based QKD setup covering the Iberian Peninsula, linking Madrid with Barcelona, Bilbao, and Lisbon. Our proposed setup uses a Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) state-of-the-art satellite equipped with a spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) source to distribute entangled photon pairs to ground stations. Considering vibrations in the satellite, we optimize the beam waist to enhance the transmission probability and improve the secret key rate (SKR). Our results show that key rates sufficient for real-world applications, such as secure communication between hospitals, using hybrid classical-quantum protocols, are feasible with existing protocols. Our results highlight the viability of near-term satellite-based QKD networks for national-scale secure communications.
Free-space optical communications (FSOC) are a key enabling technology for future high-capacity space-based networks. Particularly, the backbone of global communication relies on intersatellite optical links. In a previous study [Opt. Express 32, 31597 (2024)], the authors proposed a method to mitigate the impact of transmitter pointing jitter by using a superposition of orthogonally polarized Gaussian and higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams. In this study, we experimentally characterize the proposed system using a spiral phase plate (SPP) to generate higher-order annular beams. We demonstrate that such superpositions can be reliably generated in a realistic optical setup, quantify the associated beam-shaping errors and losses, and assess their impact on intersatellite optical communication performance. It is found that the proposed beam-shaping approach can still yield power savings on the order of 20% compared to a conventional Gaussian beam under the considered conditions.
...
Free-space optical communications (FSOC) are a key enabling technology for future high-capacity space-based networks. Particularly, the backbone of global communication relies on intersatellite optical links. In a previous study [Opt. Express 32, 31597 (2024)], the authors proposed a method to mitigate the impact of transmitter pointing jitter by using a superposition of orthogonally polarized Gaussian and higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian (LG) beams. In this study, we experimentally characterize the proposed system using a spiral phase plate (SPP) to generate higher-order annular beams. We demonstrate that such superpositions can be reliably generated in a realistic optical setup, quantify the associated beam-shaping errors and losses, and assess their impact on intersatellite optical communication performance. It is found that the proposed beam-shaping approach can still yield power savings on the order of 20% compared to a conventional Gaussian beam under the considered conditions.
Intersatellite free-space optical communications are the backbone of the future highspeed global communication networks. In orbit, thermo-mechanical loads create perturbations that detriment the performance of these links. Among these perturbations, the transmitter pointing jitter and optical aberrations are of special relevance. We present an analysis of the coupled effects of transmitter pointing jitter and optical aberrations on intersatellite free space optical communications. A mathematical model is presented to evaluate the performance of average bit error probability, probability of outage, and reliability on intersatellite free space optical communication links subjected to these perturbations. Furthermore, the optimum non-aberrated truncated Gaussian beams are obtained for each of these performance parameters for different telescope architectures. The results demonstrate that the performance parameters are highly sensitive to the optimal far-field irradiances. These optimum operation points are then perturbed by Seidel aberrations to study the effect of these aberrations in the system. The results show that optical communication terminals are most sensitive to coma aberrations, mainly due to the induced apparent angle of arrival on the beacon beam. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations of combinations of Seidel aberrations show a strong dependency on the telescope architecture of the sensitivity of the communication performance parameter to the magnitude of the optical aberrations.
...
Intersatellite free-space optical communications are the backbone of the future highspeed global communication networks. In orbit, thermo-mechanical loads create perturbations that detriment the performance of these links. Among these perturbations, the transmitter pointing jitter and optical aberrations are of special relevance. We present an analysis of the coupled effects of transmitter pointing jitter and optical aberrations on intersatellite free space optical communications. A mathematical model is presented to evaluate the performance of average bit error probability, probability of outage, and reliability on intersatellite free space optical communication links subjected to these perturbations. Furthermore, the optimum non-aberrated truncated Gaussian beams are obtained for each of these performance parameters for different telescope architectures. The results demonstrate that the performance parameters are highly sensitive to the optimal far-field irradiances. These optimum operation points are then perturbed by Seidel aberrations to study the effect of these aberrations in the system. The results show that optical communication terminals are most sensitive to coma aberrations, mainly due to the induced apparent angle of arrival on the beacon beam. Finally, Monte Carlo simulations of combinations of Seidel aberrations show a strong dependency on the telescope architecture of the sensitivity of the communication performance parameter to the magnitude of the optical aberrations.
Mctamatcrials and mctasurfaccs hold significant promise for space applications due to their compactness and lightweight characteristics. These devices use nanostructures embedded in their flat surfaces to manipulate the electromagnetic field for various purposes. Among their potential applications, metalenses stand out for their prospective role in the next generation of optical instruments deployed in space. Specifically, they offer considerable advantages for free space optical and quantum communications terminals. In intersatellite free space optical communication links, transmitter pointing errors degrade the performance of the link. Nevertheless, optimizing the shape of the transmitted beam through a metalens can improve the communication link performance. In this study, we delve into the application of metalenses for shaping laser beams in intersatellite optical communication scenarios. We present the preliminary design of the metalens and analyze its performance through numerical simulations, analyzing its feasibility and potential in space-based optical communications.
...
Mctamatcrials and mctasurfaccs hold significant promise for space applications due to their compactness and lightweight characteristics. These devices use nanostructures embedded in their flat surfaces to manipulate the electromagnetic field for various purposes. Among their potential applications, metalenses stand out for their prospective role in the next generation of optical instruments deployed in space. Specifically, they offer considerable advantages for free space optical and quantum communications terminals. In intersatellite free space optical communication links, transmitter pointing errors degrade the performance of the link. Nevertheless, optimizing the shape of the transmitted beam through a metalens can improve the communication link performance. In this study, we delve into the application of metalenses for shaping laser beams in intersatellite optical communication scenarios. We present the preliminary design of the metalens and analyze its performance through numerical simulations, analyzing its feasibility and potential in space-based optical communications.
This paper proposes a novel approach to improve the performance of free-space optical communication intersatellite links by combining fundamental Gaussian and higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian beams. We present a comprehensive mathematical model to analyze the system’s performance, including received power statistics, average bit error probability, and outage probability. To generate the desired beam profiles, we propose an optical system capable of creating a superposition of orthogonally polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beams that yield the far-field irradiance distributions that optimize the communication performance. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that the combination of fundamental Gaussian and higher-order modes can significantly enhance system performance compared to conventional fundamental Gaussian beams. In some scenarios, the proposed approach offers savings on the order of 20% to 40% of the required transmitted power.
...
This paper proposes a novel approach to improve the performance of free-space optical communication intersatellite links by combining fundamental Gaussian and higher-order Laguerre-Gaussian beams. We present a comprehensive mathematical model to analyze the system’s performance, including received power statistics, average bit error probability, and outage probability. To generate the desired beam profiles, we propose an optical system capable of creating a superposition of orthogonally polarized Laguerre-Gaussian beams that yield the far-field irradiance distributions that optimize the communication performance. Our theoretical analysis demonstrates that the combination of fundamental Gaussian and higher-order modes can significantly enhance system performance compared to conventional fundamental Gaussian beams. In some scenarios, the proposed approach offers savings on the order of 20% to 40% of the required transmitted power.
Intersatellite optical communication links will be crucial for the development of future global optical and quantum communication networks. Under the harsh space environment satellite optical terminals will suffer pointing jitter and wavefront errors. In this paper, the impact of the combination of these errors on the transmitter side is modeled. Combining the far-field diffraction patterns obtained through computational Fourier optics and the statistics of the pointing jitter, the received power statistics are derived numerically for different scenarios. The computational model is first used to evaluate the optimum nominal parameters of the transmitted beam. Then, several optical aberrations are added to the transmitted beam and their impact on the communication performance is evaluated through the average bit error rate.
...
Intersatellite optical communication links will be crucial for the development of future global optical and quantum communication networks. Under the harsh space environment satellite optical terminals will suffer pointing jitter and wavefront errors. In this paper, the impact of the combination of these errors on the transmitter side is modeled. Combining the far-field diffraction patterns obtained through computational Fourier optics and the statistics of the pointing jitter, the received power statistics are derived numerically for different scenarios. The computational model is first used to evaluate the optimum nominal parameters of the transmitted beam. Then, several optical aberrations are added to the transmitted beam and their impact on the communication performance is evaluated through the average bit error rate.
Review
(2023)
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M. Badas Aldecocea, P. Piron, J. Bouwmeester, J.J.D. Loicq, J.M. Kuiper, E.K.A. Gill
Growing interest in free-space optical communication, due to the high bandwidth and security provided by these links, has generated the necessity of designing high-performance satellite terminals. In order to develop these terminals, the opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena that appear in the space environment and their effect on optical communication links have to be understood in detail. A review of the opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena occurring in spaceborne terminals is presented, describing the relevance of each of them. The methods found to compute the impact on the communication performance due to opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena are collected by building the bridge between the optical and communication performance parameters. Finally, techniques available to mitigate the detrimental effects of these phenomena are classified, and the relevant research challenges are identified.
...
Growing interest in free-space optical communication, due to the high bandwidth and security provided by these links, has generated the necessity of designing high-performance satellite terminals. In order to develop these terminals, the opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena that appear in the space environment and their effect on optical communication links have to be understood in detail. A review of the opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena occurring in spaceborne terminals is presented, describing the relevance of each of them. The methods found to compute the impact on the communication performance due to opto-thermo-mechanical phenomena are collected by building the bridge between the optical and communication performance parameters. Finally, techniques available to mitigate the detrimental effects of these phenomena are classified, and the relevant research challenges are identified.