Development of the PIC-based EPPS on-board source. D4.2
report
This deliverable presents the full summarized overview of the development and benchmarking of a Photonic Integrated Circuit-based Entangled Photon Pair Source (PIC-EPPS) designed for space based quantum communication, as part of the LaiQa project. The project aims to advance critical quantum internet components, focusing on a compact, robust, and high-performance entangled photon source suitable for satellite deployment. The PIC-EPPS is fabricated on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform, leveraging double-bus microring resonators to enhance spontaneous four-wave mixing (SFWM). This architecture enables the generation of spectrally multiplexed, telecom-compatible photon pairs, with key specifications including MHz-level pair rates, high fidelity (≥95%), precise resonance alignment to the ITU DWDM grid (≈100 GHz spacing), a footprint below 1 mm², and low power consumption compatible with satellite payloads. Development progressed through iterative cycles of simulation, fabrication, packaging, and characterization. Advanced electromagnetic and quantum mechanical simulations guided the design, ensuring compatibility with commercial telecom equipment and quantum memory integration. Fabrication utilized electron beam lithography and precision etching, with rigorous quality control and process improvements such as the introduction of a silicon dioxide top cladding.
Topics
TNO Identifier
1020994
Publisher
TNO
Collation
23 p.