[en] Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a secure cryptographic information transmission method that relies on quantum properties of photons. QKD in space imposes challenges: atmospheric absorption and turbulence. Motivated by a comprehensive model to simulate a satellite-to-ground link, we address these problems with a tunable heralded single-photon source with signal photons ranging from 1064 to 2300 nm in free-space. The photons are produced via spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) in a seven-grating periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal.
Research Center/Unit :
CSL - Centre Spatial de Liège - ULiège Multitel Innovation Centre
Disciplines :
Aerospace & aeronautics engineering
Author, co-author :
Chaabani, Sélim ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Space sciences, Technologies and Astrophysics Research (STAR)
Groulard, Antoine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Unités de recherche interfacultaires > Space sciences, Technologies and Astrophysics Research (STAR) ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centres généraux > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Lecourt, Jean-Bernard; Multitel Innovation Centre > Applied photonics
Hernandez, Yves; Multitel Innovation Centre > Applied photonics
Habraken, Serge ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centres généraux > CSL (Centre Spatial de Liège)
Language :
English
Title :
Quantum Cryptography: a Source of Single Photons for Quantum Key Distribution in Space
Publication date :
09 April 2026
Event name :
Space4ReLaunch Third PhD Day
Event organizer :
Space4ReLaunch project
Event place :
Sint-Genesius-Rode, Belgium
Event date :
9 April 2026
Development Goals :
17. Partnerships for the goals
Name of the research project :
Space4ReLaunch
Funders :
SPW EER - Service Public de Wallonie. Economie, Emploi, Recherche
Funding number :
2210181
Funding text :
This research is part of the Space4ReLaunch project, which is supported by the SPW Economie Emploi Recherche of the Walloon Region, under grant agreement no. 2210181.
