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arXiv · 2603.18934

Long Distance Daylight Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution under Relative Motion

Chun Zhou·Yanyang Zhou·Ping Wang·Tan Li·Yu Zhou·Hao Wang·Yanmei Zhao Huan Li·Dawei Li·Fangxiang Wang·Diyuan Zheng·Qifa Zhang·Hui Sun·Shibiao Tang·Hongwei Li·Zhengfu Han·Wansu Bao
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Abstract

Low-altitude drones can serve as dynamic nodes apparently mitigating terrain-induced impacts for quantum networks. However, it is extremely hard to establish a sable quantum link in a drone-based dynamic platform, which requires centimeter-level positioning techniques and high-precision time synchronization technologies. In this paper, we develop a single-ended polarization adaptive correction technology at both the transmitting and receiving ends. Based on this, we present the world's first kilometer-scale drone-based QKD network, achieving an 1.2 km free-space QKD link with a secure key rate of 2.76 kbps, suitable for urban quantum network deployment. We validate the feasibility of QKD between dynamic drone and ground unmanned vehicle at a relative speed of 1 m/s over a distance of 100 m, attaining a secure key rate of 70.94 kbps. This work advances drone-based QKD from static demonstrations to practical dynamic network, boasting great development potential for an airborne quantum internet.

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Chun Zhou, Yanyang Zhou, Ping Wang, Tan Li, Yu Zhou, Hao Wang, Yanmei Zhao Huan Li, Dawei Li, Fangxiang Wang, Diyuan Zheng, Qifa Zhang, Hui Sun, Shibiao Tang, Hongwei Li, Zhengfu Han, Wansu Bao. 2026-03-19. Long Distance Daylight Drone-based Quantum Key Distribution under Relative Motion. https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.18934

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