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arXiv:1505.06523 · Journal of Lightwave Technology

Space-Qualified Nanosatellite Electronics Platform for Photon Pair Experiments

Cliff Cheng, Rakhitha Chandrasekara, Yue Chuan Tan, Alexander Ling

Published Oct 26, 2015• 22 citations
arXivHTMLPDF

Abstract

We report the design and implementation of a complete electronics platform for conducting a quantum optics experiment that will be operated on board a 1U CubeSat (a 10 × 10 × 10 cm satellite). The quantum optics experiment is designed to produce polarization-entangled photon pairs using nonlinear optical crystals and requires opto-electronic components such as a pump laser, single photon detectors, and liquid crystal-based polarization rotators in addition to passive optical elements. The platform provides mechanical support for the optical assembly. It also communicates autonomously with the host satellite to provide experiment data for transmission to a ground station. A limited number of commands can be transmitted from ground to the platform enabling it to switch experimental modes. This platform requires less than 1.5 W for all operations, and is space qualified. The implementation of this electronics platform is a major step on the road to operating quantum communication experiments using nanosatellites.

DOI
10.1109/jlt.2015.2479245

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We report the design and implementation of a complete electronics platform for conducting a quantum optics experiment that will be operated on board a 1U CubeSat (a 10 × 10 × 10 cm satellite). The quantum optics experiment is designed to produce polarization-entangled photon pairs using nonlinear optical crystals and requires opto-electronic components such as a pump laser, single photon detectors, and liquid crystal-based polarization rotators in addition to passive optical elements. The platform provides mechanical support for the optical assembly. It also communicates autonomously with the host satellite to provide experiment data for transmission to a ground station. A limited number of commands can be transmitted from ground to the platform enabling it to switch experimental modes. This platform requires less than 1.5 W for all operations, and is space qualified. The implementation of this electronics platform is a major step on the road to operating quantum communication experiments using nanosatellites.
To overcome the challenges of establishing a global Quantum Key Distribution network using optical fibers, several communication protocols using satellites have been proposed. A major milestone towards such a goal is the demonstration of a working source of entangled photons on a satellite. We are building a compact instrument capable of generating entangled photon pairs through spontaneous parametric down conversion. We intend to follow an iterative development cycle with the first mission to demonstrate that the control electronics can reliably operate an optical source of correlated photons in orbit. The instrument we are building is designed to be integrated into a nanosatellite and conforms to the size, weight and power requirements of a 1U CubeSat. The instrument contains a power stabilized optical pump, single photon detectors and inertial free polarization rotators to measure polarization correlations onboard the nanosatellite. The single photon detection unit utilizes a software based controlling mechanism to achieve temperature independent operation in a typical low earth orbit nanosatellite. The integrated system has been tested for thermal, vacuum and vibration environments. The latest test on a high altitude balloon demonstrates the technology readiness of the electronics payload for space missions.
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To enable space-based quantum key distribution proposals the Centre for Quantum Technologies is developing a source of entangled photons ruggedized to survive deployment in space and greatly miniaturised so that it conforms to the strict form factor and power requirements of a 1U CubeSat. The Small Photon Entangling Quantum System is an integrated instrument where the pump, photon pair source and detectors are combined within a single optical tray and electronics package that is no larger than 10 cm x 10 cm x 3 cm. This footprint enables the instrument to be placed onboard nanosatellites or the CubeLab structure aboard the International Space Station. We will discuss the challenges and future prospects of CubeSat-based missions.
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