Next generation QKD transmitter for a satellite platform utilising a single laser and cascaded electro-optical modulators

Satellite-based quantum communications is seen as the most practical and affordable way to create the globally scaling segment of a quantum communications network. However, there are challenges in deploying quantum technologies on satellite platforms due to size, weight, and power constraints.

As part of a large collaborative R&D project, the Heriot-Watt University team set out to develop and demonstrate a polarisation decoy-state BB84 weak-coherent pulse transmitter that utilised a single laser and a cascade of electro-optic modulators to significantly reduce the volume of the photonic elements for a satellite platform. This talk outlines the design, performance, and challenges along the way. Implementations with single-photon sources and comparisons to photonic integrated circuits approaches are commented on.