Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Quantum channels”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1971

Communication theory of quantum systems

Communication theory problems incorporating quantum effects for optical-frequency applications are discussed. Under suitable conditions, a unique quantum channel model corresponding to a given classical space-time varying linear random channel is established. A procedure is described by which a proper density-operator representation applicable to any receiver configuration can be constructed directly from the channel output field. Some examples illustrating the application of our methods to the development of optical quantum channel representations are given. Optimizations of communication system performance under different criteria are considered. In particular, certain necessary and sufficient conditions on the optimal detector in M-ary quantum signal detection are derived. Some examples are presented. Parameter estimation and channel capacity are discussed briefly.

Yuen, H. P. H.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Modeling Electro-Optic Frequency Comb Generation as a Pump Source for Quantum Communications

The Quantum Communications group at NASA GRC is focused on developing technologies and system architectures to enable future space-based quantum networks. High-repetition rate pulsed pump lasers are needed because the signal on the quantum channel cannot be amplified, hence entanglement generation rates can only be increased through high-rate pumping. Additionally, tunability in center frequency, pulse width, and repetition rate allows for a wider parameter space over which to optimize quantum channel frequency conversion efficiency, joint spectral engineering, and channel synchronization for high-fidelity entanglement swapping –a necessary stepping-stone towards quantum repeater development. One of the most flexible methods for high-repetition rate pulse generation is through spectral shaping–generating a frequency comb from a continuous-wave(CW)laser using electro-optic modulators (EOMs). As a result, this project focuses on analytically modeling and simulating the effects various EOMs such as phase and intensity modulators have on a CW source. Generating a tunable frequency comb as the pump source allows us to conveniently fine-tune the central frequency, repetition rate, and the spectral shape of our source to match the strict optimal parameters for any given entanglement source considered in the future. These models and simulations are to be used for comparison purposes for future experiments as well as for providing the Quantum Communications group a convenient tool to understand the effects of manipulating various parameters have on the outgoing frequency comb.

Electro-optic modulator↗
NASA NTRS1990

Theoretical studies of important processes in planetary and comet atmospheres

Dissociative recombination (DR) reactions in planetary and comet atmospheres are discussed. A computer program was developed which determines DR cross sections and rates using potential curves and electronic capture widths. It uses Multi-Channel Quantum Defect Theory (MQDT) to include excited Rydberg resonance levels in the DR cross section and rate calculations. Each vibrational level of a molecular ion is the limit for an infinite series of Rydberg states. Above each ion vibrational level are Rydberg vibrational levels having higher ion levels as their series limit. These Rydberg vibrational levels are resonances, i.e., neutral states which are imbedded in the electron-molecular ion continuum. The process in which the Rydberg level causes an abrupt perturbation in the cross section for DR (because of interference between capture into the Rydberg level and capture into the repulsive dissociative state) is referred to as indirect recombination. The process in which the Rydberg levels are excluded and recombination goes from the entrance channel to the repulsive state is called direct recombination. The full DR process, i.e., both direct and indirect recombination, is the process of importance for planetary atmospheres. These ideas are illustrated with the new results for DR from excited ion vibrational levels of O2(+) into the dissociative state which leads to O(1S) + O(1D).

Guberman, Steven L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Quantum efficiency of a channel electron multiplier in the far ultraviolet

Variation of the quantum efficiency of a channel electron multiplier (CEM) in the wavelength range from 1200 to 2536 A is studied. Emphasis is on measurement of CEM sensitivity longward of 1500 A. Results indicate an overall rapid decrease in quantum efficiency with increasing wavelength, with little evidence for a possible change in slope in the range from 2000 to 2500 A. The lowest efficiency measured is 4.5 + or -2.5 times 10 to the minus ninth count/photon at 2536 A. These efficiencies should ensure that unwanted radiation longward of 1500 A can be effectively removed from the bandpass of the instrument.

Paresce, F.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Temperature independent quantum well FET with delta channel doping

A temperature independent device is presented which uses a quantum well structure and delta doping within the channel. The device requires a high delta doping concentration within the channel to achieve a constant Hall mobility and carrier concentration across the temperature range 300-1.4 K. Transistors were RF tested using on-wafer probing and a constant G sub max and F sub max were measured over the temperature range 300-70 K.

Young, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS2000

2D Quantum Mechanical Study of Nanoscale MOSFETs

With the onset of quantum confinement in the inversion layer in nanoscale MOSFETs, behavior of the resonant level inevitably determines all device characteristics. While most classical device simulators take quantization into account in some simplified manner, the important details of electrostatics are missing. Our work addresses this shortcoming and provides: (a) a framework to quantitatively explore device physics issues such as the source-drain and gate leakage currents, DIBL, and threshold voltage shift due to quantization, and b) a means of benchmarking quantum corrections to semiclassical models (such as density-gradient and quantum-corrected MEDICI). We have developed physical approximations and computer code capable of realistically simulating 2-D nanoscale transistors, using the non-equilibrium Green's function (NEGF) method. This is the most accurate full quantum model yet applied to 2-D device simulation. Open boundary conditions and oxide tunneling are treated on an equal footing. Electrons in the ellipsoids of the conduction band are treated within the anisotropic effective mass approximation. We present the results of our simulations of MIT 25, 50 and 90 nm "well-tempered" MOSFETs and compare them to those of classical and quantum corrected models. The important feature of quantum model is smaller slope of Id-Vg curve and consequently higher threshold voltage. Surprisingly, the self-consistent potential profile shows lower injection barrier in the channel in quantum case. These results are qualitatively consistent with ID Schroedinger-Poisson calculations. The effect of gate length on gate-oxide leakage and subthreshold current has been studied. The shorter gate length device has an order of magnitude smaller current at zero gate bias than the longer gate length device without a significant trade-off in on-current. This should be a device design consideration.

Svizhenko, Alexei↗
NASA NTRS2018

Securing and Auto-Synchronizing Communication over Free-Space Optics Using Quantum Key Distribution and Chaotic Systems

Free-Space Optical (FSO) communication provides very large bandwidth, relatively low cost, low power, low mass of implementation, and improved security when compared to conventional Free-Space Radio-Frequency (FSRF) systems. In this paper, we demonstrate a communication protocol that demonstrates improved security and longer-range FSO communication, compared to existing FSO security techniques, such as N-slit interferometers. The protocol integrates chaotic communications with Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) techniques. A Lorenz chaotic system, which is inherently secure and auto-synchronized, is utilized for secure data communications over a classical channel, while QKD is used to exchange crucial chaotic system parameters over a secure quantum channel. We also provide a concept of operations for a NASA mission combining chaotic communications and QKD operating synergistically in an end-to-end space communications link. The experimental simulation results and analysis are favorable towards our approach.

Chaotic Communication↗
NASA NTRS1982

Quantum efficiency of opaque CsI photocathodes with channel electron multiplier arrays in the extreme and far ultraviolet

The arrays are overcoated with a CsI photocathode in the VUV. The measurements are part of the development program for the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer. Monochromatic light from a hollow cathode discharge source passing through a McPherson grazing incidence monochromator is used to illuminate the CsI photocathode. The beam diameter is kept small (approximately 2 mm) to confine it within the individual thickness strips. A bias grid is used to produce a 50-V/mm electric field to guarantee collection of all photoelectrons emitted by the CEMA (channel electron multiplier array) webbing. The CEMAs are operated with a gain of 2-3 x 10 to the 6th and are moderately saturated. A channeltron secondary transfer standard is used to determine the absolute QE in the EUV, whereas an NBS calibrated windowed photodiode is used to measure the FUV absolute QE. It is noted that the CsI gives a factor of 3 increase in the QE in the EUV and a factor of 50-5000 in the FUV.

Martin, C.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Performance of convolution coding concatenated with MFSK modulation in a Gaussian channel

The improvement in db due to concatenation over conventional M-ary coding is studied to reduce the probability of a bit error and to increase the available bit rate for the same system parameters of error rate, transmitter power, and range. The results of calculations for orthogonal modulation with noncoherent detection and Q-level correlator quantization are presented. It is shown that the correlator outputs are quantized to one of the Q levels, and the receiver output is a vector consisting of a list of the M correlator quantum levels. The channel has Q(M) possible outputs and M possible inputs. Optimum output is approached by increasing fine quantization

Choudhury, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1996

A Secure Key Distribution System of Quantum Cryptography Based on the Coherent State

The cryptographic communication has a lot of important applications, particularly in the magnificent prospects of private communication. As one knows, the security of cryptographic channel depends crucially on the secrecy of the key. The Vernam cipher is the only cipher system which has guaranteed security. In that system the key must be as long as the message and most be used only once. Quantum cryptography is a method whereby key secrecy can be guaranteed by a physical law. So it is impossible, even in principle, to eavesdrop on such channels. Quantum cryptography has been developed in recent years. Up to now, many schemes of quantum cryptography have been proposed. Now one of the main problems in this field is how to increase transmission distance. In order to use quantum nature of light, up to now proposed schemes all use very dim light pulses. The average photon number is about 0.1. Because of the loss of the optical fiber, it is difficult for the quantum cryptography based on one photon level or on dim light to realize quantum key-distribution over long distance. A quantum key distribution based on coherent state is introduced in this paper. Here we discuss the feasibility and security of this scheme.

Guo, Guang-Can↗
NASA NTRS2009

OP09O-OP404-9 Wide Field Camera 3 CCD Quantum Efficiency Hysteresis

The HST/Wide Field Camera (WFC) 3 UV/visible channel CCD detectors have exhibited an unanticipated quantum efficiency hysteresis (QEH) behavior. At the nominal operating temperature of -83C, the QEH feature contrast was typically 0.1-0.2% or less. The behavior was replicated using flight spare detectors. A visible light flat-field (540nm) with a several times full-well signal level can pin the detectors at both optical (600nm) and near-UV (230nm) wavelengths, suppressing the QEH behavior. We are characterizing the timescale for the detectors to become unpinned and developing a protocol for flashing the WFC3 CCDs with the instrument's internal calibration system in flight. The HST/Wide Field Camera 3 UV/visible channel CCD detectors have exhibited an unanticipated quantum efficiency hysteresis (QEH) behavior. The first observed manifestation of QEH was the presence in a small percentage of flat-field images of a bowtie-shaped contrast that spanned the width of each chip. At the nominal operating temperature of -83C, the contrast observed for this feature was typically 0.1-0.2% or less, though at warmer temperatures contrasts up to 5% (at -50C) have been observed. The bowtie morphology was replicated using flight spare detectors in tests at the GSFC Detector Characterization Laboratory by power cycling the detector while cold. Continued investigation revealed that a clearly-related global QE suppression at the approximately 5% level can be produced by cooling the detector in the dark; subsequent flat-field exposures at a constant illumination show asymptotically increasing response. This QE "pinning" can be achieved with a single high signal flat-field or a series of lower signal flats; a visible light (500-580nm) flat-field with a signal level of several hundred thousand electrons per pixel is sufficient for QE pinning at both optical (600nm) and near-UV (230nm) wavelengths. We are characterizing the timescale for the detectors to become unpinned and developing a protocol for flashing the WFC3 CCDs with the instrument's internal calibration system in flight. A preliminary estimate of the decay timescale for one detector is that a drop of 0.1-0.2% occurs over a ten day period, indicating that relatively infrequent cal lamp exposures can mitigate the behavior to extremely low levels.

Collins, Nick↗
NASA NTRS1978

Optical communication with two-photon coherent stages. I - Quantum-state propagation and quantum-noise reduction

To determine the ultimate performance limitations imposed by quantum effects, it is also essential to consider optimum quantum-state generation. Certain 'generalized' coherent states of the radiation field possess novel quantum noise characteristics that offer the potential for greatly improved optical communications. These states have been called two-photon coherent states because they can be generated, in principle, by stimulated two-photon processes. The use of two-photon coherent state (TCS) radiation in free-space optical communications is considered. A simple theory of quantum state propagation is developed. The theory provides the basis for representing the free-space channel in a quantum-mechanical form convenient for communication analysis. The new theory is applied to TCS radiation.

Yuen, H. P.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Characterization of the transport properties of channel delta-doped structures by light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas measurements

The transport properties of channel delta-doped quantum well structures were characterized by conventional Hall effect and light-modulated Shubnikov-de Haas (SdH) effect measurements. The large number of carriers that become available due to the delta-doping of the channel, leads to an apparent degeneracy in the well. As a result of this degeneracy, the carrier mobility remains constant as a function of temperature from 300 K down to 1.4 K. The large amount of impurity scattering, associated with the overlap of the charge carriers and the dopants, resulted in low carrier mobilities and restricted the observation of the oscillatory magneto-resistance used to characterize the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) by conventional SdH measurements. By light-modulating the carriers, we were able to observe the SdH oscillation at low magnetic fields, below 1.4 tesla, and derive a value for the quantum scattering time. Our results for the ratio of the transport and quantum scattering times are lower than those previously measured for similar structures using much higher magnetic fields.

Mena, R. A.↗