To enable space-based quantum key distribution proposals the Centre for Quantum Technologies is developing a source of entangled photons ruggedized to survive deployment in space and greatly miniaturised so that it conforms to the strict form factor and power requirements of a 1U CubeSat. The Small Photon Entangling Quantum System is an integrated instrument where the pump, photon pair source and detectors are combined within a single optical tray and electronics package that is no larger than 10 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm. This footprint enables the instrument to be placed onboard nanosatellites or the CubeLab structure aboard the International Space Station. We will discuss the challenges and future prospects of CubeSat-based missions.
@article{arxiv.1508.07074,
title = {Deploying quantum light sources on nanosatellites II: lessons and perspectives on CubeSat spacecraft},
author = {Robert Bedington and Edward Truong-Cao and Tan Yue Chuan and Cliff Cheng and Kadir Durak and James Anthony Grieve and Jesper Larsen and Daniel Oi and Alexander Ling},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1508.07074},
year = {2016}
}
Comments
Submitted to SPIE Quantum Information Science and Technology. Paper number 9648-49