Entanglement demonstration on board a nano-satellite

Abstract

Global quantum networks for secure communication can be realized using large fleets of satellites distributing entangled photon pairs between ground-based nodes. Because the cost of a satellite depends on its size, the smallest satellites will be most cost-effective. This Letter describes a miniaturized, polarization entangled, photon-pair source operating on board a nano-satellite. The source violates Bell's inequality with a Clauser-Horne-Shimony-Holt parameter of 2.60 +/- 0.06. This source can be combined with optical link technologies to enable future quantum communication nano-satellite missions.