Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Log inSign up
Challenges
Datasets
Workspaces
Papers
Discussions
Leaderboard
Blog
Job Board
Q3AS

© 2026 Aqora Quantum S.A.S.

TermsPrivacyLegal Notice

Towards Quantum Laser Links between nano-satellites in Low Earth Orbit (Conference Presentation)

Andrew J. Lambert

Published Oct 18, 2019• 0 citations
Publisher

Abstract

Designing a laser communications payload integral to a nano-satellite, capable of fine pointing, is a difficult task. Integrating this with a quantum key distribution payload for inter-satellite secure communication adds significant complexity, as does ground based communication with the moving objects in low Earth orbit. The advantages of low path length, secure, global communication make this an opportunity not to be missed. We report on developments of such a system. Beginning with a satellite demonstrator with a Pointing, Acquisition-and Tracking system that involves fine precision star-tracker, plasma and aerodynamic force interactions for steering, and an inter-satellite laser link demonstration on orbit using LED beacon for acquisition, and laser for communications link closure. Combining design studies for a nano-satellite quantum payload for transferring entangled photon-pairs between the satellites at long-range in Low Earth Orbit, and incorporating ground to space and space to ground laser communications, are described in the context of quantum optical ground station efforts within Australia.

DOI
10.1117/12.2538199

Related papers

Optical front-end for a quantum key distribution cubesat

Paul C. Serra, Ondrej Čierny, William Kammerer +11 more

Recent advances in pointing and tracking capabilities of small satellite platforms have enabled adoption of capabilities such as high-resolution Earth Observation (EO), inter-satellite laser communications and, more recently, quantum communications. Quantum communications requires unusually narrow optical beams and tight pointing performance (on the order of ten microradians) to close an inherently brightness-limited quantum link. This limit is due to quantum communication protocols such as quantum key distribution and teleportation requiring individual quantum states to be transmitted with photon number restrictions. We examine an opportunity to combine quantum communications with laser communications in sharing an optical link. We discuss a combined quantum and laser communication terminal capable of performing space-to-ground entanglement-distribution and high data rate communications on a 12U CubeSat with a 95mm beam expander and an 60 cm aperture optical ground telescope. Photon pairs produced by the quantum terminal are entangled in polarization so the polarization must be maintained throughout the optical link. We discuss active and passive compensation methods in space and polarization reference frame correction using a polarized reference beacon at the ground station. The combined quantum and laser communication terminal approach enables secure communications over an optical channel with rates of 100 Mbps and sub-nanosecond time transfer.

International Conference on Space Optics (ICSO)•Jun 11, 2021•6 citations

Aerospace laser communications technology as enabler for worldwide quantum key distribution

Florian Moll, Harald Weinfurter, Markus Rau +5 more

A worldwide growing interest in fast and secure data communications pushes technology development along two lines. While fast communications can be realized using laser communications in fiber and free-space, inherently secure communications can be achieved using quantum key distribution (QKD). By combining both technologies in a single device, many synergies can be exploited, therefore reducing size, weight and power of future systems. In recent experiments we demonstrated quantum communications over large distances as well as between an aircraft and a ground station which proved the feasibility of QKD between moving partners. Satellites thus may be used as trusted nodes in combination with QKD receiver stations on ground, thereby enabling fast and secure communications on a global scale. We discuss the previous experiment with emphasis on necessary developments to be done and corresponding ongoing research work of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). DLR is performing research on satellite and ground terminals for the high-rate laser communication component, which are enabling technologies for the QKD link. We describe the concept and hardware of three generations of OSIRIS (Optical High Speed Infrared Link System) laser communication terminals for low Earth orbiting satellites. The first type applies laser beam pointing solely based on classical satellite control, the second uses an optical feedback to the satellite bus and the third, currently being in design phase, comprises of a special coarse pointing assembly to control beam direction independent of satellite orientation. Ongoing work also targets optical terminals for CubeSats. A further increase of beam pointing accuracy can be achieved with a fine pointing assembly. Two ground stations will be available for future testing, an advanced stationary ground station and a transportable ground station. In parallel the LMU QKD source size will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude thereby simplifying its integration into future free-space optical communication links with CubeSats.

Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE•Apr 29, 2016•8 citations

Advances in Receiver and Detection Systems for Low Earth Orbit Nanosatellite Quantum Communications

James J. Shawe, Jerry Horgan, Deirdre Kilbane

Satellite quantum communications have received a surge of interest in recent years, encouraged by the success of the QUESS experiments and as a reaction to advances in quantum computing. This work focuses on low Earth orbit nanosatellite missions, which offer several benefits (e.g. lower costs, greater launch availability, easier to replenish) over satellites at different orbit heights (medium Earth orbit, geosynchronous Earth orbit) and satellite size classes (e.g. small-sats, etc). Recent work on low Earth orbit satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has focused on transmitters and quantum sources, with less attention paid to the receiver side of the link. This review addresses that imbalance by focusing on the receiver and detection systems of satellite quantum communications. This work has found that two-way beacon acquisition and tracking systems are both a common element of state-of-the-art missions, and likely to remain a critical subsystem to ensure high-quality satellite-to-ground station links; however, improvements to detection and tracking algorithms could be made. For discrete variable QKD, receivers and detection systems in nanosatellites at low Earth orbit are likely to remain using silicon single photon avalanche diodes, while receivers and detection systems in optical ground stations may opt for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, as cryogenic cooling is feasible. For continuous variable QKD, the receivers and detection systems, using coherent detection systems, share many hardware elements with classical optical satellite communications. Combined with coherent detection systems’ inherent resilience to operating during daytime conditions, this makes continuous variable QKD an attractive prospect for future missions, if its fundamental challenges can be overcome.

IEEE Access•Jan 1, 2025•3 citations

A comprehensive design and performance analysis of low Earth orbit satellite quantum communication

J-P Bourgoin, Evan Meyer-Scott, Brendon L. Higgins +9 more

Optical quantum communication utilizing satellite platforms has the potential to extend the reach of quantum key distribution (QKD) from terrestrial limits of ∼200 km to global scales. We have developed a thorough numerical simulation using realistic simulated orbits and incorporating the effects of pointing error, diffraction, atmosphere and telescope design, to obtain estimates of the loss and background noise which a satellite-based system would experience. Combining with quantum optics simulations of sources and detection, we determine the length of secure key for QKD, as well as entanglement visibility and achievable distances for fundamental experiments. We analyse the performance of a low Earth orbit satellite for downlink and uplink scenarios of the quantum optical signals. We argue that the advantages of locating the quantum source on the ground justify a greater scientific interest in an uplink as compared to a downlink. An uplink with a ground transmitter of at least 25 cm diameter and a 30 cm receiver telescope on the satellite could be used to successfully perform QKD multiple times per week with either an entangled photon source or with a weak coherent pulse source, as well as perform long-distance Bell tests and quantum teleportation. Our model helps to resolve important design considerations such as operating wavelength, type and specifications of sources and detectors, telescope designs, specific orbits and ground station locations, in view of anticipated overall system performance.

arXiv:1211.2733•New Journal of Physics•Feb 5, 2013•240 citations

Satellite-based quantum communication terminal employing state-of-the-art technology

Martin Pfennigbauer, Markus Aspelmeyer, Walter R. Leeb +7 more

Feature Issue on Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) We investigate the design and the accommodation of a quantum communication transceiver in an existing classical optical communication terminal on board a satellite. Operation from a low earth orbit (LEO) platform (e.g., the International Space Station) would allow transmission of single photons and pairs of entangled photons to ground stations and hence permit quantum communication applications such as quantum cryptography on a global scale. Integration of a source generating entangled photon pairs and single-photon detection into existing optical terminal designs is feasible. Even more, major subunits of the classical terminals such as those for pointing, acquisition, and tracking as well as those providing the required electronic, thermal, and structural backbone can be adapted so as to meet the quantum communication terminal needs.

Journal of Optical Networking•Jan 1, 2005•62 citations

Airborne demonstration of a quantum key distribution receiver payload

Christopher J. Pugh, Sarah Kaiser, Jean-Philippe Bourgoin +8 more

Abstract Satellite-based quantum terminals are a feasible way to extend the reach of quantum communication protocols such as quantum key distribution (QKD) to the global scale. To that end, prior demonstrations have shown QKD transmissions from airborne platforms to receivers on ground, but none have shown QKD transmissions from ground to a moving aircraft, the latter scenario having simplicity and flexibility advantages for a hypothetical satellite. Here, we demonstrate QKD from a ground transmitter to a receiver prototype mounted on an airplane in flight. We have specifically designed our receiver prototype to consist of many components that are compatible with the environment and resource constraints of a satellite. Coupled with our relocatable ground station system, optical links with distances of 3–10 km were maintained and quantum signals transmitted while traversing angular rates similar to those observed of low-Earth-orbit satellites. For some passes of the aircraft over the ground station, links were established within 10 s of position data transmission, and with link times of a few minutes and received quantum bit error rates typically ≈3%–5% , we generated secure keys up to 868 kb in length. By successfully generating secure keys over several different pass configurations, we demonstrate the viability of technology that constitutes a quantum receiver satellite payload and provide a blueprint for future satellite missions to build upon.

arXiv:1612.06396•Quantum Science and Technology•Jun 1, 2017•149 citations
Designing a laser communications payload integral to a nano-satellite, capable of fine pointing, is a difficult task. Integrating this with a quantum key distribution payload for inter-satellite secure communication adds significant complexity, as does ground based communication with the moving objects in low Earth orbit. The advantages of low path length, secure, global communication make this an opportunity not to be missed. We report on developments of such a system. Beginning with a satellite demonstrator with a Pointing, Acquisition-and Tracking system that involves fine precision star-tracker, plasma and aerodynamic force interactions for steering, and an inter-satellite laser link demonstration on orbit using LED beacon for acquisition, and laser for communications link closure. Combining design studies for a nano-satellite quantum payload for transferring entangled photon-pairs between the satellites at long-range in Low Earth Orbit, and incorporating ground to space and space to ground laser communications, are described in the context of quantum optical ground station efforts within Australia.
Recent advances in pointing and tracking capabilities of small satellite platforms have enabled adoption of capabilities such as high-resolution Earth Observation (EO), inter-satellite laser communications and, more recently, quantum communications. Quantum communications requires unusually narrow optical beams and tight pointing performance (on the order of ten microradians) to close an inherently brightness-limited quantum link. This limit is due to quantum communication protocols such as quantum key distribution and teleportation requiring individual quantum states to be transmitted with photon number restrictions. We examine an opportunity to combine quantum communications with laser communications in sharing an optical link. We discuss a combined quantum and laser communication terminal capable of performing space-to-ground entanglement-distribution and high data rate communications on a 12U CubeSat with a 95mm beam expander and an 60 cm aperture optical ground telescope. Photon pairs produced by the quantum terminal are entangled in polarization so the polarization must be maintained throughout the optical link. We discuss active and passive compensation methods in space and polarization reference frame correction using a polarized reference beacon at the ground station. The combined quantum and laser communication terminal approach enables secure communications over an optical channel with rates of 100 Mbps and sub-nanosecond time transfer.
A worldwide growing interest in fast and secure data communications pushes technology development along two lines. While fast communications can be realized using laser communications in fiber and free-space, inherently secure communications can be achieved using quantum key distribution (QKD). By combining both technologies in a single device, many synergies can be exploited, therefore reducing size, weight and power of future systems. In recent experiments we demonstrated quantum communications over large distances as well as between an aircraft and a ground station which proved the feasibility of QKD between moving partners. Satellites thus may be used as trusted nodes in combination with QKD receiver stations on ground, thereby enabling fast and secure communications on a global scale. We discuss the previous experiment with emphasis on necessary developments to be done and corresponding ongoing research work of German Aerospace Center (DLR) and Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU). DLR is performing research on satellite and ground terminals for the high-rate laser communication component, which are enabling technologies for the QKD link. We describe the concept and hardware of three generations of OSIRIS (Optical High Speed Infrared Link System) laser communication terminals for low Earth orbiting satellites. The first type applies laser beam pointing solely based on classical satellite control, the second uses an optical feedback to the satellite bus and the third, currently being in design phase, comprises of a special coarse pointing assembly to control beam direction independent of satellite orientation. Ongoing work also targets optical terminals for CubeSats. A further increase of beam pointing accuracy can be achieved with a fine pointing assembly. Two ground stations will be available for future testing, an advanced stationary ground station and a transportable ground station. In parallel the LMU QKD source size will be reduced by more than an order of magnitude thereby simplifying its integration into future free-space optical communication links with CubeSats.
Satellite quantum communications have received a surge of interest in recent years, encouraged by the success of the QUESS experiments and as a reaction to advances in quantum computing. This work focuses on low Earth orbit nanosatellite missions, which offer several benefits (e.g. lower costs, greater launch availability, easier to replenish) over satellites at different orbit heights (medium Earth orbit, geosynchronous Earth orbit) and satellite size classes (e.g. small-sats, etc). Recent work on low Earth orbit satellite Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) has focused on transmitters and quantum sources, with less attention paid to the receiver side of the link. This review addresses that imbalance by focusing on the receiver and detection systems of satellite quantum communications. This work has found that two-way beacon acquisition and tracking systems are both a common element of state-of-the-art missions, and likely to remain a critical subsystem to ensure high-quality satellite-to-ground station links; however, improvements to detection and tracking algorithms could be made. For discrete variable QKD, receivers and detection systems in nanosatellites at low Earth orbit are likely to remain using silicon single photon avalanche diodes, while receivers and detection systems in optical ground stations may opt for superconducting nanowire single photon detectors, as cryogenic cooling is feasible. For continuous variable QKD, the receivers and detection systems, using coherent detection systems, share many hardware elements with classical optical satellite communications. Combined with coherent detection systems’ inherent resilience to operating during daytime conditions, this makes continuous variable QKD an attractive prospect for future missions, if its fundamental challenges can be overcome.
Optical quantum communication utilizing satellite platforms has the potential to extend the reach of quantum key distribution (QKD) from terrestrial limits of ∼200 km to global scales. We have developed a thorough numerical simulation using realistic simulated orbits and incorporating the effects of pointing error, diffraction, atmosphere and telescope design, to obtain estimates of the loss and background noise which a satellite-based system would experience. Combining with quantum optics simulations of sources and detection, we determine the length of secure key for QKD, as well as entanglement visibility and achievable distances for fundamental experiments. We analyse the performance of a low Earth orbit satellite for downlink and uplink scenarios of the quantum optical signals. We argue that the advantages of locating the quantum source on the ground justify a greater scientific interest in an uplink as compared to a downlink. An uplink with a ground transmitter of at least 25 cm diameter and a 30 cm receiver telescope on the satellite could be used to successfully perform QKD multiple times per week with either an entangled photon source or with a weak coherent pulse source, as well as perform long-distance Bell tests and quantum teleportation. Our model helps to resolve important design considerations such as operating wavelength, type and specifications of sources and detectors, telescope designs, specific orbits and ground station locations, in view of anticipated overall system performance.
Feature Issue on Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) We investigate the design and the accommodation of a quantum communication transceiver in an existing classical optical communication terminal on board a satellite. Operation from a low earth orbit (LEO) platform (e.g., the International Space Station) would allow transmission of single photons and pairs of entangled photons to ground stations and hence permit quantum communication applications such as quantum cryptography on a global scale. Integration of a source generating entangled photon pairs and single-photon detection into existing optical terminal designs is feasible. Even more, major subunits of the classical terminals such as those for pointing, acquisition, and tracking as well as those providing the required electronic, thermal, and structural backbone can be adapted so as to meet the quantum communication terminal needs.
Abstract Satellite-based quantum terminals are a feasible way to extend the reach of quantum communication protocols such as quantum key distribution (QKD) to the global scale. To that end, prior demonstrations have shown QKD transmissions from airborne platforms to receivers on ground, but none have shown QKD transmissions from ground to a moving aircraft, the latter scenario having simplicity and flexibility advantages for a hypothetical satellite. Here, we demonstrate QKD from a ground transmitter to a receiver prototype mounted on an airplane in flight. We have specifically designed our receiver prototype to consist of many components that are compatible with the environment and resource constraints of a satellite. Coupled with our relocatable ground station system, optical links with distances of 3–10 km were maintained and quantum signals transmitted while traversing angular rates similar to those observed of low-Earth-orbit satellites. For some passes of the aircraft over the ground station, links were established within 10 s of position data transmission, and with link times of a few minutes and received quantum bit error rates typically ≈3%–5% , we generated secure keys up to 868 kb in length. By successfully generating secure keys over several different pass configurations, we demonstrate the viability of technology that constitutes a quantum receiver satellite payload and provide a blueprint for future satellite missions to build upon.