QSPACE | Long-lived quantum memories for space-based applications

Summary
Quantum experiments in space open up numerous interesting technological and scientific possibilities in the last years. Long-distance quantum communication (QC) is one of the first applications that would benefit from these advances as quantum information can be transferred over very long distances by satellites. However, this range is limited by the line-of sight distance which limits the direct transmission of quantum information to around few thousand kilometres. One solution to reach true global distances while relaxing the security assumptions used in satellite QC is to equip satellites with quantum memories (QMs). This would allow the implementation of satellite-based quantum repeater networks that could potentially cover global distances and increase the secret key rates by synchronising otherwise probabilistic detection events.
On the other hand, scientifically, the possibility of observing gravitational effects on quantum systems has the promise of bringing new perspectives into the search of a quantum theory of gravitation. In this regard, research into long-lived entanglement of quantum matter systems in curved space time could yield new physical insights. Along these lines we propose to develop a space-compatible, small-footprint laser-cooled quantum memory with storage times in the order of seconds. Our preliminary work suggests that such a system could beat the memory-less quantum communication schemes with realistic memory performances.
Unfold all
/
Fold all
More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/894590
Start date: 01-12-2020
End date: 02-03-2023
Total budget - Public funding: 162 806,40 Euro - 162 806,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Quantum experiments in space open up numerous interesting technological and scientific possibilities in the last years. Long-distance quantum communication (QC) is one of the first applications that would benefit from these advances as quantum information can be transferred over very long distances by satellites. However, this range is limited by the line-of sight distance which limits the direct transmission of quantum information to around few thousand kilometres. One solution to reach true global distances while relaxing the security assumptions used in satellite QC is to equip satellites with quantum memories (QMs). This would allow the implementation of satellite-based quantum repeater networks that could potentially cover global distances and increase the secret key rates by synchronising otherwise probabilistic detection events.
On the other hand, scientifically, the possibility of observing gravitational effects on quantum systems has the promise of bringing new perspectives into the search of a quantum theory of gravitation. In this regard, research into long-lived entanglement of quantum matter systems in curved space time could yield new physical insights. Along these lines we propose to develop a space-compatible, small-footprint laser-cooled quantum memory with storage times in the order of seconds. Our preliminary work suggests that such a system could beat the memory-less quantum communication schemes with realistic memory performances.

Status

CLOSED

Call topic

MSCA-IF-2019

Update Date

28-04-2024
Images
No images available.
Geographical location(s)
Structured mapping
Unfold all
/
Fold all
Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.1. EXCELLENT SCIENCE
H2020-EU.1.3. EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
H2020-EU.1.3.2. Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
H2020-MSCA-IF-2019
MSCA-IF-2019