Quantum Technologies for Space
Quantum technologies are the technologies of the future. Their capabilities are far beyond known classical technologies, and they also possess a huge potential for instrumental miniaturization.
Quantum technolgies are quantum sensors, e.g. atom interferometry, quantum metrology with new time standards and the possiblility to provide a physical realization of the kilogram, quantum computing with the capabilty to solve certain classes of mathematical problems much faster than ordinary computers, quantum comunication with secure communication, quantum cryptography, quantum materials, and others. Synergies with mashine learning, big data, and artificial intelligence are under investigation.
The expertise of the GOC in this technology is quantum sensing, in particular accelerometeres, gyroscopes, gravi- and gradiometers based on atom interferometry. We also worked on quantum metrology, in particular on the behavior of clocks in gravitational fields, and the corresponding applications in geodesy and positioning.
Current research questions are
- Development of quantum sensors for space application
- Clock networks in space
- Modelling quantum communication in space
Topics for space
- Quantum sensors (atom interferometers, clocks, laser interferometry)
- Quantum communication (entangled states, laser links, QKD)
- Quantum metrology (clocks, laser links)
GOC-Expertise
- Bose-Einstein-Condensates in microgravity
- Atom interferometry
- Lasers, metrology, cavities, …
- QKD protocols
Research questions
- Development of quantum sensors for space application
- Clock networks in space
- Modelling quantum communication in space