Making polarization-entangled photon-pair sources for nanosatellites: Size, Weight and Power Considerations
Alexander Ling, Centre for Quantum Technologies, National University of Singapore
Entanglement-distribution is going to be an important element of any future quantum internet. A number of interesting concepts are being considered at the moment, ranging from fiber-compatible quantum repeaters to long-lived quantum memories that can enable quantum states to be physically shipped or trucked. One of the approaches being considered is to utilise free-space links from satellites to enable fast global coverage. This approach is technically mature, with a number of nations having demonstrated space-to-ground optical communications capability, with the missing link being space-capable quantum light sources. This capability gap is now being actively closed by research efforts around the world. In this talk, I will discuss an approach for raising the technology readiness level of the quantum light sources by using shoebox-sized satellites to enable faster development and mission deployment.