Quantum optical communication for micro robotic explorers

One way to improve the acquisition of planetary information from robotic landers is to use many smaller robotic explorers that can cover more ground than a single conventional rover, given that the existing launch capabilities constrain the mass of planetary robotic landers to a relatively fixed value. In addressing this vision, NASA has been challenged in the National Nanotechnology Initiative to research the development of miniature robots built from nano-sized components. These robots have very significant challenges, such as mobility and communication, given the small size and limited power generation capability. The research presented here has been focused on developing a communications system that has the potential for providing ultra-low power communications for robots such as these. In this paper an optical communications technique that is based on quantum entangled photons is presented. This technique both minimizes radiated power and is appropriate for the size scale of the robot. Simulations of this system show that the radiated power may be reduced to extremely low levels for line-of-sight communication over distances of several kilometers, even in the presence of ambient light. The immunity to background noise makes this technique very promising in comparison to classical optical communications for ultra-low power applications. The results of this research will generate requirements definitions for transceiver components built from nanotechnology. Results from experiments demonstrating aspects of this communications technique are presented.