In order to use quantum communication efficiently, it is necessary to transport quantum states over long distances. Optical fibers have high losses when transmitting photons over long distances. For this reason, the aim is to use free-space transmission via a satellite relays. The photons are transmitted from one ground station via a satellite to another ground station. This requires quantum memories that store the status for a short time until it is requested.
In order to realize quantum memories on satellites, their energy consumption, volume and weight must be reduced. Miniaturization of the system is therefore necessary. The realization of the memory in the form of a cold atomic gas is the favored solution for miniaturization. In close cooperation with the IPQOS and MiniRubiQ projects, we are developing a miniaturized vacuum cell, an optical chip and the miniaturized atom source for the quantum memory. Our partners from Space Optics Laborartory @ FORTH-IESL will develop the necessary laser system. The overall system will be tested in collaboration with our project partner TESAT.
Project goals
We aim to achieve the following goals during the project:
We develop a miniaturized vacuum system with a vacuum level sufficient to operate the quantum storage for at least 1 month (without an active pump).
To provide the rubidium atoms for storage, we are building a miniaturized atom source.
In addition, we manufacture an optical chip that generates the laser beams required to cool the atoms.
All the components mentioned above are then integrated into a complete system.
Contact
Dr. Jakob Buchheim
Abteilungsleiter Integration von Mikro- und Nanosystemen
