German Researchers Test Quantum Channels In-Flight

Researchers at the German Aerospace Center recently tested a quantum sensor in-flight on a Dornier 228 research aircraft.

German Aerospace Center, Cologne, Germany

It is not easy to transmit individual photons precisely from an aircraft, capture them in a ground station and detect them successfully. Researchers have, however, now managed to do exactly that. They have even measured, multiple times, various quantum channels between an aircraft and a ground station, sent photons to an ion trap and tested technologies for quantum key distribution (QKD).

The flight experiment in question took place as part of the QuNET initiative, aimed at developing quantum-secure communication. Using photons - particles of light - it is possible to generate quantum encryption keys, which will make future communication eavesdrop-proof. The technologies behind this are also paving the way for a future quantum internet, connecting quantum computers with one another.