Leap in Advancing of Critical Quantum Key Distribution-Space Components

LaiQa comes as a technology intensive research and innovation action aiming to develop and advance critical components and technologies necessary to build a global spaced-based quantum network.

LaiQa envisions to realize unconditionally secure quantum communications over long distances bringing functional QKD components together with advanced system integration techniques towards deployable space-QKD systems.

The project’s objectives will include the development of space-deployable, high-brightness 1550 nm entangled photon pair source (EPPS), a space-suitable Decoy State – BB84 Prepare and Measure (P&M) source, a photonic integrated EPPS for next generation on-board sender stations, a quantum memory for long-distance entanglement distribution, an advanced fiber coupling/ adaptive optics system for converged space/terrestrial QKD segments, and software components towards the optimization of LaiQa architecture.

The project will demonstrate P&M- and entanglement based QKD systems both in lab/terrestrial FSO testbeds and in field demonstrations in Helmos optical ground station (OGS).

LaiQa will also mobilize its consortium to prioritize standardization activities that focus on space components for P&M- and entanglement- QKD, consider interfaces and parameters for them to propose specification standards and potentially trigger new standardization activities within EU.