Christopher Pugh explains his research in quantum key distribution

PhD student Christopher Pugh researches free space propagation of quantum information signals over long distances for the purpose of secure quantum communication, specifically quantum key distribution (QKD). QKD uses the laws of quantum mechanics to establish a shared key that is secure and independent of any other data, provided the two parties also share a classical authenticated channel. The potential to share quantum keys globally opens up with a satellite network where quantum keys can be distributed from ground stations located around the world to satellite stations and back.