Mainz 2026 – wissenschaftliches Programm
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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 49: Quantum Communication, Networks, Repeaters, & QKD I
Q 49.7: Vortrag
Donnerstag, 5. März 2026, 12:30–12:45, P 10
Shot-noise limited discrete QAM signals for airborne quantum communication — Stefan Richter1,2, •Hüseyin Vural1,2, Thomas Dirmeier2,1, Sheng-Hsuan Huang1,2, and Christoph Marquardt1,2 — 1Chair of optical quantum technologies, Friedrich-Alexander- Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen — 2Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Erlangen
To ensure continuity of operation in quantum communication networks when terrestrial fiber links are (temporarily) unavailable, methods to quickly (re-)establish secure links between access nodes are required. One promising approach is the deployment of airborne mobile nodes to bridge outages and extend secure connectivity. As part of the German QuNET initiative, such a scenario was investigated using a flying transmitter aboard a research aircraft of the German DLR and an optical ground station (OGS) operated by Fraunhofer IOF during two measurement campaigns in April and October 2025 in Erlangen.
Here, we report on our transmitter system and its deployment for testing the feasibility of continuous-variable (CV) QKD over such a dynamic free-space link. Our system is capable of generating discrete quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) of coherent states required for CV-QKD protocols under the restrictive conditions of a flying platform, while the receiver is connected via fiber to the OGS. Our findings indicate the feasibility of CV-QKD in this harsh environment and over a strongly fluctuating link by successfully exchanging shot-noise-limited signals.
Keywords: CV-QKD; QAM Modulation; free-space link