N. Ahmadi^a, S. Schwertfeger^b, P. Werner^c, L. Wiese^c, J. Lester^c, E. Da Ros^b,d, J. Krause^a,e, S. Ritter^a,e, M. Abasifard^a,f, C. Cholsuk^a,f, R.G. Krämer^a, S. Atzeni^g, M. Gündoğan^b,d, S. Sachidananda^h, D. Pardo^h, S. Nolte^a,i, A. Lohrmann^j, A. Ling^h, J. Bartholomäus^c, G. Corrielli^g, M. Krutzik^b,d, and T. Vogl^a,f,i

Published in:

Adv. Quantum Technol., vol. 7, no. 4, pp. 2300343 (2024).

Abstract:

Modern quantum technologies have matured such that they can now be used in space applications, e.g., long-distance quantum communication. Here, the design of a compact true single photon source is presented that can enhance the secure data rates in satellite-based quantum key distribution scenarios compared to conventional laser-based light sources. The quantum light source is a fluorescent color center in hexagonal boron nitride. The emitter is off-resonantly excited by a diode laser and directly coupled to an integrated photonic processor that routes the photons to different experiments performed directly on-chip: i) the characterization of the single photon source and ii) testing a fundamental postulate of quantum mechanics, namely the relation of the probability density and the wave function (known as Born’s rule). The described payload is currently being integrated into a 3U CubeSat and scheduled to launch in 2024 into low Earth orbit. Therefore the feasibility of true single photon sources and reconfigurable photonic circuits in space can be evaluated. This provides a promising route toward a high-speed quantum network.

Keywords:

fundamental quantum science, quantum key distribution, space quantum technology, single photons

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