Space-QUEST: Quantum Entanglements in Space Experiments

by Dr Rupert Ursin (Institut for Quantum Optics and Quantum Information)

Friday 20 Mar 2009, 16:00 → 17:00 Europe/Rome

Aula 8 (Dip. di Fisica - Edificio E. Fermi)

It is an open issue whether quantum laws, originally established to describe nature at the microscopic level of atoms, are also valid in the macroscopic domain on distances accessible in space. Some proposals predict that quantum entanglement is limited to certain mass and length scales or altered under specific gravitational circumstances. Testing the quantum correlations over distances achievable with systems placed in the Earth orbit or even beyond would allow to verify both the validity of quantum physics and the preservation of entanglement over distances impossible to achieve on ground. Another area of applications is in metrology, where quantum clock synchronization and quantum positioning are studied. We proposed to the European Space Agency (ESA) to perform space-to-ground quantum communication tests from the International Space Station (ISS) orbiting at a hei! ght of approximately 400 km. We present the proposed experiments in space as well as the design of a space based quantum communication payload. Additionally we will present the ongoing ESA funded R&D activities performed in a consortium consisting of partners from academia as well as from industry.