Flight Experiments for Investigation of Mobile Quantum Nodes

Future quantum networks require an infrastructure of quantum links connecting distant nodes over large distances. Large distances can be covered by free-space optical links between aircrafts- or satellites and ground stations. As part of the QuNET research program, DLR has upgraded a laser terminal installed on a Dornier 228 aircraft [1][2][3] to perform quantum experiments over a 10 km free-space link. This laser terminal platform together with setups from the QuNET partner institutes recently conducted a flight campaign. For the first time, coupling of photons from an aircraft to an ion-trap on ground [4] has been demonstrated. With an upcoming flight campaign in October 2025, the deployment of dynamic mobile nodes for quantum networks will be further investigated.

[1] Nauerth, S., Moll, F., Rau, M. et al. Air-to-ground quantum communication. Nature Photon 7, 382–386 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nphoton.2013.46

[2] Florian Moll, Sebastian Nauerth, Christian Fuchs, Joachim Horwath, Markus Rau, Harald 
Weinfurter, "Communication system technology for demonstration of BB84 quantum key distribution in optical aircraft downlinks," Proc. SPIE 8517, Laser Communication and Propagation through the Atmosphere and Oceans, 851703 (24 October 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.929739

[3] Joachim Horwath, Christian Fuchs, "Aircraft to ground unidirectional laser-communications terminal for high-resolution sensors," Proc. SPIE 7199, Free-Space Laser Communication Technologies XXI, 719909 (24 February 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.808869

[4] Pressemitteilung vom 07.04.2025: https://qunet-initiative.de/neuigkeiten

Presentation language: GER