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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 5: Quantum Technologies I
Q 5.7: Talk
Monday, March 14, 2022, 15:30–15:45, Q-H13
Quantum science and technology with small satellites — •Tobias Vogl1,2, Sebastian Ritter1, Josefine Krause1, Mostafa Abasifard1, Heiko Knopf1,3, and Falk Eilenberger1,3 — 1Institute of Applied Physics, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Germany — 2Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom — 3Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering IOF, Germany
The maximal transmission distance of quantum states in telecom fibers is limited due to absorption. Global quantum communication therefore requires to link metropolitan fiber networks with satellites. In space-to-ground scenarios, these satellites need to be equipped with efficient and space-compatible single photon sources. Quantum emitters hosted by hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) have been proven to be a suitable candidate for single photon quantum communication, due to their high intrinsic quantum efficiency and photon purity.
Here, we present the QUICK3 space mission, where we combine a quantum emitter in hBN with integrated optics. The optical circuit is based on a laser-written waveguide, that provides the necessary compact footprint for implementation on our 3U CubeSat. The satellite verifies the full functionality of the quantum light source in orbit. Moreover, the satellite has also a quantum interferometer on board, which allows us to test certain quantum gravity models - thereby searching for physics beyond the standard model. To route the photons to the different experiments, we use active Mach-Zehnder switches in the waveguide.