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Q: Fachverband Quantenoptik und Photonik
Q 81: Quantum Communication, Networks, Repeaters, & QKD III
Q 81.7: Talk
Friday, March 6, 2026, 16:00–16:15, P 10
Narrow-band resonator-enhanced SPDC source for airborne quantum communication — Sheng-Hsuan Huang1,2, •Thomas Dirmeier1,2, Hans Dang1,2, Sebastian Luff1,2, Martin Fischer1, Markus Sondermann1,2, Gerd Leuchs1,2, and Christoph Marquardt2,1 — 1Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Staudtstr 2, 91058 Erlangen — 2Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Staudtstr 7/A3, 91058 Erlangen
Long-distance quantum communication networks rely on the ability to faithfully distribute quantum information between different network nodes, which are often considered based on from atomic or ionic systems. Efficient information transfer not only relies on a low-loss quantum channel but also requires sources that generate quantum states which can interact with the atom or ion in question. Whispering gallery mode resonator (WGMR) based SPDC sources have been shown to be highly tunable sources for a variety of quantum states. Their inherent optical bandwidth in the MHz-range making them compatible to atomic and ionic transitions.
As part of the German QuNET initiative, we are employing our WGMR-based source aboard a research aircraft of the German DLR. Together with a ground station by Fraunhofer IOF. We are investigating the coupling of photonic quantum states to a single trapped ion under adverse conditions from an airborne free-space link.
In our presentation, we highlight the challenges of realizing photon-atom-interaction experiments in such a demanding environment.
Keywords: Quantum optics; Quantum communication; free space communication; Light-Matter interaction