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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 2: Nanophotonics and Integrated Photonics I
Q 2.3: Talk
Monday, March 2, 2026, 12:15–12:30, P 3
Integrated photonics for quantum communications on a CubeSat — •Jonas Pudelko1,2, Ömer Bayraktar1,2, Luca Vill1,2, Mathias Kühn1,2, Joost Vermeer1,2, Winfried Boxleitner3, Stefan Petscharnig3, Christoph Pacher3, Gerd Leuchs1,2, and Christoph Marquardt1,2 — 1Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen — 2Chair of Optical Quantum Technologies, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr. 7 / A3, Erlangen — 3AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH, Center for Digital Safety & Security, Vienna, Austria
Satellite based quantum key distribution enables worldwide secure communication with distinct advantages over fiber links. The profitability of commercial systems highly depends on the size, weight and power demands of the required payloads.
Our CubeSat payload demonstrates a source for weak modulated coherent states as well as a quantum random number generator based on homodyne measurements of the quantum mechanical vacuum state on a single 10 cm x 10 cm PCB with a power consumption of 4 W. The high level of integration is enabled by two Indium-Phosphide photonic integrated circuits and custom designed electronic driving circuits.
The payload was launched in 2024 as part of the QUBE mission. Here, we will present our in-orbit characterization measurements and the findings from the ongoing optical downlink campaign.
Keywords: Satellite-QKD; CubeSat; Integrated Photonics