Canada-UK Quantum Technologies call: Reference-Frame Independent Quantum Communication for Satellite-Based Networks (ReFQ)

我们建议实施和研究一种新的方法来执行基于卫星的量子密钥分发（QKD）的空间演示。 构建可行的QKD系统的主要挑战之一是确保源和接收器之间的光子编码的参考系对齐。我们将实现和研究新的量子协议，可以简化QKD发射器和接收器到空间和地面有效载荷的集成。作为该项目的主要成果，我们将展示一种优雅的量子通信技术的可行性，这种技术可以为未来量子通信网络提供强大而经济的解决方案。该项目将包括开发一个模块化量子密钥分配发射器，可作为实验有效载荷安装在低地球轨道卫星上，目标是加拿大的量子密钥分配卫星使命。 该项目的主要硬件交付将是一个适合太空飞行的QKD发射器单元（飞行模型单元）以及一个适合地面测试的原型单元（工程模型单元）。

We propose to implement and study an in-space demonstration of a new approach to perform satellite-based Quantum Key Distribution (QKD). One of the main challenges in building a viable QKD system is to ensure the frames of reference of the photon encoding between the source and the receiver are aligned. We will implement and study novel quantum protocols that can simplify the integration of a QKD emitter and receiver into the space - and ground payloads. As the main outcome of this project, we will have shown the viability of an elegant quantum communication technology that could form the basis for a robust and economic solution for future quantum communication networks. The project will include the development of a modular QKD emitter that could be implemented on a low earth orbiting satellite as an experimental payload, with the target being the Canadian QEYSSat mission. Principal hardware deliverables on the project will be a QKD emitter unit that is suitable for space flight (Flight Model Unit) as well as a prototype unit that is suitable for ground testing (Engineering Model Unit).