Demonstration of Quantum Entanglement in Space
In 2015, researchers from the Centre for Quantum Technologies at the National University of Singapore successfully exhibited the effectiveness of their compact quantum entanglement generator in space, employing an economical and resource-efficient nanosatellite. With this experiment, preliminary indications of the viability of quantum communication via satellites started to surface. Although the direct demonstration of satellite quantum communication was pending, essential elements were under active development.
This study focussed on utilizing a nanosatellite to execute an experiment involving photon counting while situated in orbit. The goal was to serve a dual purpose.
Firstly, it aimed to develop methodologies for constructing the optical components essential for a photon-pair source suitable for space applications and has the potential for swift adaptation to generate polarization-entangled photon pairs in the future. The successful execution of this task not only contributed to the development of quantum communication techniques, but also laid the groundwork for potential advancements in generating polarization-entangled photons for future applications. This indicated a strategic step toward establishing a reliable infrastructure for quantum communication in space.
Secondly, the generated photons were employed for metrology purposes, specifically to validate the spaceworthiness of the apparatus employed for detecting and quantifying polarization correlations. By assessing the space readiness of the polarization-correlation detection apparatus, the experiment reinforced the credibility and adaptability of quantum-based technology in space’s challenging and unique conditions.
The core objective of this study was to advance the technological framework required for quantum communication and experimentation in space environments. The research sought to pave the way for integrating quantum technologies into space-based systems by employing a nanosatellite as the experimental platform.
References —
- Generation and Analysis of Correlated Pairs of Photons aboard a Nanosatellite
- Entanglement demonstration on board a nano-satellite
Note: This article is a part of my Womanium Online Quantum Media Project. Find out about it here .
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