QUICK$^3$ -- Design of a satellite-based quantum light source for quantum communication and extended physical theory tests in space
Abstract
Modern quantum technologies have matured such that they can now be used in space applications, e.g., long-distance quantum communication. Here, we present the design of a compact true single photon source that can enhance the secure data rates in satellite-based quantum key distribution scenarios compared to conventional laser-based light sources. Our quantum light source is a fluorescent color center in hexagonal boron nitride. The emitter is off-resonantly excited by a diode laser and directly coupled to an integrated photonic processor that routes the photons to different experiments performed directly on-chip: (i) the characterization of the single photon source and (ii) testing a fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics, namely the relation of the probability density and the wave function (known as Born's rule). The described payload is currently being integrated into a 3U CubeSat and scheduled for launch in 2024 into low Earth orbit. We can therefore evaluate the feasibility of true single photon sources and reconfigurable photonic circuits in space. This provides a promising route toward a high-speed quantum network.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2301.11177,
title = {QUICK$^3$ -- Design of a satellite-based quantum light source for quantum communication and extended physical theory tests in space},
author = {Najme Ahmadi and Sven Schwertfeger and Philipp Werner and Lukas Wiese and Joseph Lester and Elisa Da Ros and Josefine Krause and Sebastian Ritter and Mostafa Abasifard and Chanaprom Cholsuk and Ria G. Krämer and Simone Atzeni and Mustafa Gündoğan and Subash Sachidananda and Daniel Pardo and Stefan Nolte and Alexander Lohrmann and Alexander Ling and Julian Bartholomäus and Giacomo Corrielli and Markus Krutzik and Tobias Vogl},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2301.11177},
year = {2024}
}