Quantum Technologies for Space: Systematic assembly strategies for quantum sources

Develop a systematic assembly and alignment procedure for quantum sources that enables reliable manufacturing of compact high-performance quantum sources.​The procedure shall facilitate the manufacturing of quantum sources by non-experts in the field and enable future automation of the process.​ 

Achievements and status: ​Established computational methods to determine component tolerances for entangled photon sources using a combination of quantum mechanical simulations and classical optics simulations.​Quantitative trade-off between various alignment procedures based on actual performance metrics.​Assessment of suitable alignment and bonding technologies.​Established systematic alignment and assembly procedure to achieve state-of-the-art performance for a quantum source.​Identified suitable feedback measurements and alignment precisions for each feedback signal.​Development of a step-by-step alignment process accessible for non-quantum experts​​Benefits: ​A systematic and reliable assembly procedure enables manufacturing and further product development of quantum sources.​Results enable transfer of technology from laboratory demonstrators to industrial manufacturing.​