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OSA Quantum 2.0 Conference

Laboratory Emulation of Lunar-Earth Links for Quantum Optics

Luca Mazzarella, Andrew Mueller, Boris A. Korzh, Raju Valivarthi, Matthew D. Shaw, M. Spiropulu, Dmitry Strekalov, Nan Yu, Makan Mohageg

Published Jan 1, 2020• 5 citations
Publisher

Abstract

The Deep Space Quantum Link project aims to press the foundations of quantum optics by testing gravity at large distance scales using quantum mechanics. The tests involve transmitting photons over unprecedented distances using space-based quantum networking platforms.
DOI
10.1364/quantum.2020.qw6b.11

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The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's Deep Space Quantum Link mission concept enables a unique set of science experiments by establishing robust quantum optical links across extremely long baselines. Potential mission configurations include establishing a quantum link between the Lunar Gateway moon-orbiting space station and nodes on or near the Earth. This publication summarizes the principal experimental goals of the Deep Space Quantum Link. These goals, identified through a multi-year design study conducted by the authors, include long-range teleportation, tests of gravitational coupling to quantum states, and advanced tests of quantum nonlocality.
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NASA mission modeling indicates a desire for approximately a tenfold data improvement per decade from the Deep Space Network through the year 2040. Some of this improvement will come from aperture enhancement and antenna arraying, increased use of Ka-band over X-band, and high performance optical terminals (e.g. 12 m ground telescope). The remainder will depend on "disruptive" technologies. Deep-space communications differs from near earth communications. One way light travel times are measured in minutes rather than seconds and distances involved are large enough such that optical signals are photon limited and microwave signals have extremely low flux density. High frequency SQIF receivers and single photon detectors for optical communications will be described. Specifically, progress towards a "noiseless" receiver based on arrays of incommensurate area SQUIDs, and single photon counting detectors based on superconducting nanowires and kinetic inductance effects, will be discussed. Finally, the design of an optimal array of optical telescopes to emulate performance of a monolithic 12 m telescope will be outlined. In this case, optimal means minimizing the initial capital investment and operational cost while maintaining performance requirements of the deep-space link.