Satellite-based quantum steering with continuous variables
Phys. Rev. A 113, 062462 – Published 26 June, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/br47-p9rt
Abstract
The Gaussian quantum steering in free space is a key resource for satellite-based quantum communication. In this work, we model the free space transmission of Gaussian states as a fading and noisy quantum channel, incorporating key loss mechanisms including diffraction, atmospheric attenuation, turbulence, and receiver-side background photons. Our study encompasses a broad range of practical conditions, including uplink and downlink transmission, and daytime and nighttime operation. We show that Gaussian steerability decreases monotonically with satellite altitude, transitioning from two-way to one-way steering and ultimately to nonsteerability. Furthermore, we find that the nighttime downlink channel experiences the lowest overall loss and exhibits the greatest robustness, thereby providing the most favorable conditions for achieving Gaussian quantum steerability. Our results quantitatively characterize channel-induced steering asymmetry and provide guidelines for optimizing continuous-variable satellite quantum communication.
