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Polarization Entangled Photon Pair Source for Space-Based Quantum Communication

Completed TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)

Description

The overall goal of this NASA effort is to develop and deliver efficient, single-pass quantum optical waveguide sources generating high purity hyper-entangled photon pairs for use in high-rate long-distance links. The new devices will produce hyper-entangled photon pairs with high efficiency, pure spectral properties, and low attenuation, providing the key technology required for deployment of ground-to-space links and future construction of a global quantum network. The waveguide-based technology is compact, robust, and power efficient for deployment on space-based platforms such as the International Space Station.

Benefits

high rate, spaced-based secure communications e.g. quantum key distribution quantum metrology for precision space based navigation space-based entanglement tests of quantum and gravitational theories

characterization, optimization, and calibration of photon starved detectors key element of proposed linear optical quantum computation optical Schrodinger cat states teleportation-based quantum repeaters for QKD over unlimited distance.

Details

ProgramSmall Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR)
Lead organizationADVR, Inc., Bozeman, MT
Start date2019-08-08
End date2021-01-09

Project contacts

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How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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