Many quantum entanglement generation protocols require phase stabilization between the nodes. For color centers that are embedded in a solid immersion lens (SIL) often a reflection from the SIL’s surface is input to an interferometer where it is mixed with a reference beam. However, the beam reflected beam by the SIL does not travel colinear with the photons that are emitted by the color center, which ultimately leads to a reduction of the interferometer’s signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Additionally, imperfections of the SIL surface introduce aberrations into the reflected light, thereby further reducing the SNR. Through several design-iterations and extensive experience realizing phase stabilization on many different SIL’s we have come to an approach that significantly improves the SNR and enhances the operability of the quantum node. In this paper we report on our optical design and provide useful guidelines for the operation thereof.
Due to the distance limitation of quantum communication via ground-based fibre networks, space-based quantum key distribution (QKD) is a viable solution to extend such networks over continental and, ultimately, over global distances. Compared to LEO, QKD from GEO would offer substantial advantages, i.e. large coverage, continuous link to ground stations (cloud cover limited), 24/24h operation (background limited), no tracking required, however, coming with large link losses seen the space-ground distance. TNO, together with Eutelsat and CGI-NL, performed a detailed study on the feasibility of QKD from GEO, including a high level system design of payload and ground segment. We conclude that QKD from GEO is technically feasible, and a favourable solution if the satellite needs to act as an untrusted node (that is, no security assumptions required for the space segment). However, the optimal solution, generating a higher value-for-money, is to use a hybrid system, implementing an untrusted and trusted mode BBM92 QKD protocol. In order to arrive at a minimum required secure bit rate of ~1 bit/s in untrusted mode, a 2x ~0.5m diameter telescope in the space segment is required with <0.25µrad pointing accuracy, a <1GHz entangled photon source, in combination with ~2m diameter telescopes on ground. Details on our assumptions and results and drawings of the high level system design will be presented, as well as the development roadmap describing the required technology improvements and building blocks for the overall hybrid approach, which is applicable to non-GEO applications as well.
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