Erlangen 2018 – scientific programme
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 40: Poster: Quantum Optics and Photonics III
Q 40.12: Poster
Tuesday, March 6, 2018, 16:15–18:15, Zelt West
Quantum key distribution with small satellites — Peter Freiwang2 and •QUBE Konsortium1,2,3,4,5 — 1Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt IKN, Oberpfaffenhofen — 2Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München — 3Max-Planck-Institut für die Physik des Lichts, Erlangen — 4OHB System AG, Oberfaffenhofen — 5Zentrum für Telematik, Würzburg
Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) over long distances becomes possible using optical links between satellites and ground stations on earth. Connecting to different ground stations one after the other enables secure key exchange on a global scale. Here we present a concept for a simple and compact nano-satellite QKD-payload allowing for the generation of BB84 polarization encoded faint laser pulses. A new level of integration was achieved by using micro optical components and a waveguide circuit resulting in a robust and stable optical unit with the size of a match. The micro optical packaging and the control electronics are combined on a 9 x 9 cm* printed circuit board. We describe the concept of the nano-satellite, a so called cube-satellite as small as 10 x 10 x 30 cm3. Because of their size and weight, cube-satellites represents an economical platform for testing of technologies in space in general. Thanks to the low costs, they have the potential to form flotillas to become the backbone for a global QKD network.